Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle. The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

SOLAR PANEL (for polycrystalline panel #6016060P1)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles inside the panel. The solar cells inside a polycrystalline panel are shiny fragments and have different shades of blue at different angles. If there is a bubble under the glass and it does not reach the strips of cells then the panel should be ok. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage spots then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and does not have any cracks then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panels made in Thailand & China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow or red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

TUBES & STONES (for Oxygenator)
Make sure the tubes are securely attached to the silver nozzles on the pump housing and that they are not blocked or kinked. Make sure the porous air stones are clean so that the air can escape through them.

BREATHER HOLE (for Oxygenator)
On the underside of the housing there is a 1” (2.5 cm) white circle with a small hole in the center. The pump draws in air through a filter in this hole. Make sure that the filter is not blocked with any dirt or debris. If the breather hole on the underside of the pump housing is dirty then you need to remove the cover and the motor to clean the breather hole from both sides. On the outside brush the dirt away with a soft brush. Do not poke the filter with anything sharp. On the inside there are 4 holes under the motor for the air to enter the housing. Blow air from the inside of the housing through the 4 holes to the outside of the housing. Reassemble the pump and housing. The pump body should not be placed in water. It should remain outside the water feature in a dry area. Only the tubes and stones should be submerged in water.

COVER (for Oxygenator)
Remove the 4 screws on the underside of the pump housing and lift the grey cover off to expose the motor and magnetic air pump.

INTERNAL INSPECTION (for Oxygenator)
Inspect all the internal rubber components for wear and tear. Make sure that there are no cracks in the rubber pieces that push the air. Make sure the internal clear rubber tubes that go from the air pump to the silver outlets are connected and don’t have any cracks. While the motor is running if you can feel any air coming from any of the internal rubber parts then this is causing a loss of pressure. If you can’t feel air escaping anywhere, then you may need to adjust the motor.

MOTOR ADJUSTMENT (for Oxygenator)
You can adjust motor to change the distance between the motor magnet and the magnetic arms that move back and forth on the air pump. Simply loosen the 2 screws the hold the motor in place and slide the motor to the desired position.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

SOLAR PANEL (for polycrystalline panel #6016060P1)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles inside the panel. The solar cells inside a polycrystalline panel are shiny fragments and have different shades of blue at different angles. If there is a bubble under the glass and it does not reach the strips of cells then the panel should be ok. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage spots then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and does not have any cracks then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panels made in Thailand & China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow or red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

COVER (for Oxygenator)
Remove the 4 screws on the underside and lift the grey cover off to expose the motor and internal parts.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the motor. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. Hold the pump so that the tubes come out the bottom of the housing. While facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the magnetic impeller to the right with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

MOTOR (for Oxygenator)
If the manual start does not work in optimum conditions you may need to replace the motor. To replace it, simply remove the 2 screws that hold it in place and lift it out. You will need to lift up a small section of the rubber gasket around the housing that goes over the wire in order to get the plug through the hole to remove the motor completely.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (Part # ‘FHousing’ for pumps made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing case around the entire pump. It’s teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it, and may have 3 suction cups on the bottom. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves. If you do not have the filter housing case around your pump you do not need to order a replacement, but it’s available an optional accessory.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you can touch the impeller already then you are missing the pump cover and need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

PUMP MOTOR (Part # ‘20020p01’, ‘20500p01’, etc, for pumps made in Thailand)
Once you have removed the pump cover and impeller you will be able to see the whole impeller axle. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # n/a, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # n/a, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

PUMP MOTOR (Part # ‘SP-160X01’, ‘SP-160X3S’, etc, for pumps made in China’)
Once you have removed the pump cover, impeller cover, and impeller you will be able to see down into the impeller shaft and see the whole silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin and the bottom of the shaft with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. This end of the pump is the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and don’t pull by the filter or you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pump made in Thailand)
Leave the pump cover and impeller off of the pump and allow the pump to run. The motor should make a smooth and quiet humming noise. If so, then the motor is functioning properly. If the motor makes a loud noise without the pump cover and impeller attached then there is a problem internally with the motor and you will need to order a replacement pump. Disconnect or cover the solar panel so that the motor stops running and re-attach the impeller and pump cover, making sure that the 2 fins on the impeller face you and the cover is snapped on securely all the way around. If the motor runs normally for a few seconds and then stops pumping and runs loudly, this is referred to as de-coupling. If you are experiencing de-coupling please contact us for a replacement pump.

DE-COUPLING (for pump made in Thailand)
In order to improve the performance of the pump in low light or partly cloudy conditions, upgrades were made in 2006 to the solar panels that were made in Thailand. The pump needs a certain amount of energy before it can start working. The solar panel builds up energy for approximately 5-10 seconds in a capacitor and then gives the pump a boost in order to get it running, instead of having to remove the pump cover and turn the impeller to manually with your finger to start it. In rare conditions where the sun is very strong, the internal motor magnet will spin too quickly for the impeller. If the magnetic impeller cannot spin as fast as the motor magnet it will not be aligned and end up pushing away from the motor and make contact with the pump cover. This causes the pump stop pumping, but it continues to run and starts making a loud noise because the impeller is hitting the cover. We refer to this as ‘de-coupling’. The motor needs to be stopped before the impeller will reseat itself in the proper position.

Please note that de-coupling may only occur with pumps that were made in Thailand when used in certain areas of the country that receive very strong sunlight during the peak summer days. It will not occur during the winter, spring or autumn in the same regions.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for pump made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pump made in China)
Leave the pump cover and impeller cover and impeller off of the pump. The motor should not make any noise or vibration at all while it’s running. It should appear to do nothing without the impeller. If so, then the motor is functioning properly.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panel made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in Thailand)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

TUBE (for Lily)
Make sure the pump tube is securely attached to the tube on the bottom of the solar panel. If your pump swings around or dangles on the wire when you lift up the lily then the tube is not connected. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the panel if the tube is not connected.

PUMP COVER (for pump made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you can touch the impeller already then you are missing the pump cover and need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (for pump made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

AIR (Lily)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. Place the lily back into the water. You may want to submerge the entire lily (including the tube and fountain head set on the top) all the way for a couple seconds to help get any air out and then let it float back to the surface. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panel #SB1W1S made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for pump made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

AIR (for Lily with pump made in China)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover and pump cover. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the bottom of the panel. Place the lily back into the water. You may want to submerge the entire lily (including the tube and fountain head set on the top) all the way for a couple seconds to help get any air out and then let it float back to the surface. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panel made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in Thailand)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

TUBE (for Lily)
Make sure the pump tube is securely attached to the tube on the bottom of the solar panel. If your pump swings around or dangles on the wire when you lift up the lily then the tube is not connected. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the panel if the tube is not connected.

PUMP COVER (for pump made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (for pump made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for Lily with pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. Place the lily back into the water. You may want to submerge the entire lily (including the tube and fountain head set on the top) all the way for a couple seconds to help get any air out and then let it float back to the surface. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panel made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

TUBE (for Lily)
Make sure the pump tube is securely attached to the tube on the bottom of the solar panel. If your pump swings around or dangles on the wire when you lift up the lily then the tube is not connected. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the panel if the tube is not connected.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for pump made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for Lily with pump made in China)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover and pump cover. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the bottom of the panel. Place the lily back into the water. You may want to submerge the entire lily (including the tube and fountain head set on the top) all the way for a couple seconds to help get any air out and then let it float back to the surface. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (Part # ‘FHousing’ for pumps made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing case around the entire pump. It’s teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it, and may have 3 suction cups on the bottom. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves. If you do not have the filter housing case around your pump you do not need to order a replacement, but it’s available an optional accessory.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you can touch the impeller already then you are missing the pump cover and need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

PUMP MOTOR (Part # ‘20020p01’, ‘20500p01’, etc, for pumps made in Thailand)
Once you have removed the pump cover and impeller you will be able to see the whole impeller axle. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

This applies to the following products:

Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # n/a, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # n/a, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

PUMP MOTOR (Part # ‘SP-160X01’, ‘SP-160X3S’, for pumps made in China)
Once you have removed the pump cover, impeller cover, and impeller you will be able to see down into the impeller shaft and see the whole silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin and the bottom of the shaft with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. This end of the pump is the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and don’t pull by the filter or you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pump made in Thailand)
Leave the pump cover and impeller off of the pump and allow the pump to run. The motor should make a smooth and quiet humming noise. If so, then the motor is functioning properly. If the motor makes a loud noise without the pump cover and impeller attached then there is a problem internally with the motor and you will need to order a replacement pump. Disconnect or cover the solar panel so that the motor stops running and re-attach the impeller and pump cover, making sure that the 2 fins on the impeller face you and the cover is snapped on securely all the way around. If the motor runs normally for a few seconds and then stops pumping and runs loudly, this is referred to as de-coupling. If you are experiencing de-coupling please contact us for a replacement pump.

DE-COUPLING (for pump made in Thailand)
In order to improve the performance of the pump in low light or partly cloudy conditions, upgrades were made in 2006 to the solar panels that were made in Thailand. The pump needs a certain amount of energy before it can start working. The solar panel builds up energy for approximately 5-10 seconds in a capacitor and then gives the pump a boost in order to get it running, instead of having to remove the pump cover and turn the impeller to manually with your finger to start it. In rare conditions where the sun is very strong, the internal motor magnet will spin too quickly for the impeller. If the magnetic impeller cannot spin as fast as the motor magnet it will not be aligned and end up pushing away from the motor and make contact with the pump cover. This causes the pump stop pumping, but it continues to run and starts making a loud noise because the impeller is hitting the cover. We refer to this as ‘de-coupling’. The motor needs to be stopped before the impeller will reseat itself in the proper position.

Please note that de-coupling may only occur with pumps that were made in Thailand when used in certain areas of the country that receive very strong sunlight during the peak summer days. It will not occur during the winter, spring or autumn in the same regions.

This applies to the following products:
Lily, SunJet 150, SunJet 150 Plus, SunJet 290-M, SunJet 290-B, SunJet 380

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pumps made in China)
Leave the pump cover and impeller cover and impeller off of the pump. The motor should not make any noise or vibration at all while it’s running. It should appear to do nothing without the impeller. If so, then the motor is functioning properly.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panel made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in Thailand)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (for SunJet 150 pump made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing case around the entire pump. It is teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it, and 3 suction cups on the bottom. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves. If you do not have the filter housing case around your pump you do not need to order a replacement, but it’s available an optional accessory.

PUMP COVER (for SunJet 150 with pump made in Thailand)
If you don’t have a filter housing case around your pump then your pump should sit into a circular filter base that stands the pump up vertically. Lift the pump up out of the base and hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter in the base regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

AIR (for SunJet 150 with pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. Place the pump back into the circular filter base and submerge it in the water. Make sure that the water level in your fountain is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) minimum. If the water is any lower than that the pump may suck up some air. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the tube. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panel made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for pump made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

AIR (for SunJet 150 with pump made in China)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover and the pump cover. Place the pump back into the fountain and submerge it in the water. Make sure that the water level in your fountain is at least 1 ¼” (3 cm) minimum. If the water is any lower than that the pump may suck up some air. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the pump. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panel made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in Thailand)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (for SunJet 150 pump made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing case around the entire pump. It is teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it, and 3 suction cups on the bottom. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves. If you do not have the filter housing case around your pump you do not need to order a replacement, but it’s available an optional accessory.

PUMP COVER (for SunJet 150 with pump made in Thailand)
If you don’t have a filter housing case around your pump then your pump should sit into a circular filter base that stands the pump up vertically. Lift the pump up out of the base and hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter in the base regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for SunJet 150 with pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. Place the pump back into the circular filter base and submerge it in the water. Make sure that the water level in your fountain is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) minimum. If the water is any lower than that the pump may suck up some air. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the tube. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only. SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panel made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

TUBE (for Lily)
Make sure the pump tube is securely attached to the tube on the bottom of the solar panel. If your pump swings around or dangles on the wire when you lift up the lily then the tube is not connected. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the panel if the tube is not connected.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for pump made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (for pump made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for SunJet 150 with pump made in China)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover and the pump cover. Place the pump back into the fountain and submerge it in the water. Make sure that the water level in your fountain is at least 1 ¼” (3 cm) minimum. If the water is any lower than that the pump may suck up some air. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the pump. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

This information applies to the SunJet 290-M and 290-B. Please note that we re-designed the solar panel battery station for this product and there are 2 different versions. There is a set of instructions for each listed below:

VERSION 1:
To run the unit on solar power only:
The ‘I/O’ switch must be set to ‘I’ and the ‘sun (or) moon/cloud’ switch must be set to the ‘sun’. The solar panel must then be placed in direct sunlight to operate.

To run the unit on battery power only:
The ‘I/O’ switch must be set to ‘I’ and the ‘sun (or) moon/cloud’ switch must be set to the ‘moon/cloud’. The solar panel must then be placed in direct sunlight to operate. Press the ‘Hour’ button. The unit will run for 4 hours and does not completely train the battery. If done during night time the LED will automatically illuminate.

To run the unit on both solar power & battery on a partly cloudy day:
The ‘I/O’ switch must be set to ‘I’ and the ‘sun (or) moon/cloud’ switch must be set to the ‘cloud’.

To charge the battery only:
The ‘I/O’ switch must be set to ‘O’. It does not matter what setting the other switch is on. The batteries should be fully charged after 2-3 days of direct sunlight.


VERSION 2:
To run the unit on solar power only:
The ‘P/B’ switch must be set to ‘P’ and the ‘sun (or) moon/cloud’ switch must be set to the ‘sun’. The solar panel must then be placed in direct sunlight to operate.

To run the unit on battery power only:
The ‘P/B’ switch must be set to ‘P’ and the ‘sun (or) moon/cloud’ switch must be set to the ‘moon/cloud’. The solar panel must then be placed in direct sunlight to operate. Press the ‘Timer’ button. The unit will run for 4 hours and does not completely train the battery. If done during night time the LED will automatically illuminate.

To run the unit on both solar power & battery if it’s cloudy:
The ‘P/B’ switch must be set to ‘P’ and the ‘sun (or) moon/cloud’ switch must be set to the ‘cloud’.

To charge the battery only:
The ‘P/B’ switch must be set to ‘B’. It does not matter what setting the other switch is on. The batteries should be fully charged after 2-3 days of direct sunlight.

If the pump stops running when a cloudy passes, it means the switches on the solar panel are not on the correct settings, or the batteries are flat and need to be recharged. See the answer to “What do the settings on the solar panel switches mean?” for more information.

Either the batteries are flat and need to be charged, or another light source shining on the solar panel. That would simulate daylight and interfere with the light sensor which would prevent the solar panel from telling the LED to turn on at night. Make sure the batteries are charged and the solar panel is located in an area that does not receive light from any other sources at night.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
To remove the pump cover housing hold the pump so the spout is pointing up, grasp the bottom of the pump between the tabs, and lift each of the tabs around the edge one at a time. Once you unlock all four tabs, you can lift the housing straight up off the pump. Clean the slit in the pump cover and the spongy filter inside to ensure that there are no blockages and sufficient water can flow to the pump motor.

IMPELLER COVER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
On the side of the motor there is a spout at the top and a hole in the side. Through the hole you will be able to see a silver pin and the impeller. This side of the pump is removable. Remove the impeller cover and spout by sliding it straight up and off the motor in the same direction that the pump housing cover came off. If you have difficulty grasping it with your hand, try prying it up from underneath with a flat-head screwdriver.

IMPELLER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
Once the side of the pump with the spout has been removed you can see the entire impeller, which looks like a fan with 6 fins and spins on a silver metal pin. The silver axle is not fixed and does turn in order to turn the impeller. Using a pair of pliers, pinch on of the fins on the impeller and pull it straight off to remove it. Make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up on the pump housing behind the impeller that would prevent it from turning properly. Clean both sides of the impeller. When you re-attach it make sure that the fins on the impeller are facing you.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panel made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

SOLAR PANEL (for polycrystalline panel)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles inside the panel. The solar cells inside a polycrystalline panel are shiny fragments and have different shades of blue at different angles. If there is a bubble under the glass and it does not reach the strips of cells then the panel should be ok. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage spots then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and does not have any cracks then it should be functional.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
To remove the pump cover housing hold the pump so the spout is pointing up, grasp the bottom of the pump between the tabs, and lift each of the tabs around the edge one at a time. Once you unlock all four tabs, you can lift the housing straight up off the pump. Clean the slit in the pump cover and the spongy filter inside to ensure that there are no blockages and sufficient water can flow to the pump motor.

IMPELLER COVER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
On the side of the motor there is a spout at the top and a hole in the side. Through the hole you will be able to see a silver pin and the impeller. This side of the pump is removable. Remove the impeller cover and spout by sliding it straight up and off the motor in the same direction that the pump housing cover came off. If you have difficulty grasping it with your hand, try prying it up from underneath with a flat-head screwdriver.

IMPELLER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
Once the side of the pump with the spout has been removed you can see the entire impeller, which looks like a fan with 6 fins and spins on a silver metal pin. The silver axle is not fixed and does turn in order to turn the impeller. Using a pair of pliers, pinch on of the fins on the impeller and pull it straight off to remove it. Make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up on the pump housing behind the impeller that would prevent it from turning properly. Clean both sides of the impeller. When you re-attach it make sure that the fins on the impeller are facing you.

AIR (for SunJet 450 & 900)
To get the air out, hold the entire pump and spout underwater while the pump is running. You should see some bubbles. When you don’t see any more bubbles, raise the tube of the pump up above the surface of the water and the pump should now be pushing water up out of the tube. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panel made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

SOLAR PANEL (for polycrystalline panel)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles inside the panel. The solar cells inside a polycrystalline panel are shiny fragments and have different shades of blue at different angles. If there is a bubble under the glass and it does not reach the strips of cells then the panel should be ok. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage spots then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and does not have any cracks then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panel made in Thailand)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
To remove the pump cover housing hold the pump so the spout is pointing up, grasp the bottom of the pump between the tabs, and lift each of the tabs around the edge one at a time. Once you unlock all four tabs, you can lift the housing straight up off the pump. Clean the slit in the pump cover and the spongy filter inside to ensure that there are no blockages and sufficient water can flow to the pump motor.

IMPELLER COVER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
On the side of the motor there is a spout at the top and a hole in the side. Through the hole you will be able to see a silver pin and the impeller. This side of the pump is removable. Remove the impeller cover and spout by sliding it straight up and off the motor in the same direction that the pump housing cover came off. If you have difficulty grasping it with your hand, try prying it up from underneath with a flat-head screwdriver.

IMPELLER (for SunJet 450 & 900)
Once the side of the pump with the spout has been removed you can see the entire impeller, which looks like a fan with 6 fins and spins on a silver metal pin. The silver axle is not fixed and does turn in order to turn the impeller. Using a pair of pliers, pinch on of the fins on the impeller and pull it straight off to remove it. Make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up on the pump housing behind the impeller that would prevent it from turning properly. Clean both sides of the impeller. When you re-attach it make sure that the fins on the impeller are facing you.

MANUAL START (for SunJet 450 & 900)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller COUNTER CLOCK-WISE with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

No. You should empty the fountain of all water, dry it off, and store the entire product indoors in a dry and frost proof environment during the winter. This applies to anyone who lives in a region of the country that has a climate with temperatures reaching freezing at night during the winter. We recommend you remove the fountain from outdoors once you have temperatures that fall to about 40°F (5°C) at night to avoid any issues if the temp happens to drops below 32°F (0°C) without you knowing and then the water freezes and expands causing cracks. Simply emptying the water out of the fountain and covering it for the winter is not considered proper winter storage and damage will not be covered under warranty. If you live in a region of the country where the temps during the winter never reach freezing at night then this does not apply to you and you can enjoy your fountain all year round.

No. We do not recommend leaving the fountain outside during the winter even if you use a heater in it that prevents the water from freezing because the whole product is still exposed to freezing temps, snow, and ice. If you choose to do so, any issues that you have will not be covered under warranty.

The amount of time between necessary cleaning intervals for a fountain depends on many factors such as whether you use the fountain indoors or outdoors, your climate, whether or not you have hard water in your area, if you use distilled or filtered water, if you use water softeners or algae preventatives, if debris such as leaves falls into it, and if animals and birds use the fountain.

Here are some typical maintenance instructions for our solar fountains:

-Remove the pump and solar panel from the water feature.

-Empty the water out.

-Use a mild soap with warm water and gently wash away any dirt and sediment from the resin / ceramic / terra cotta parts using a cloth or soft-bristle brush. Do not use any harsh chemicals, such as bleach, or any hard wire bristle brushes to avoid damaging the finish. Once the fountain is clean make sure you rinse it thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

-Clean the solar panel with a glass cleaner such as Windex to remove dirt and algae or with C.L.R. / Lime-A-Way to remove hard water build up and stains.

-Remove the pump cover with filter, the impeller cover, and the impeller from the pump. Clean all the pieces and rinse the filter. Flush out the tube to make sure it’s not blocked with any debris. Unplug the wire between the pump to the panel and wipe off the silver connectors. Inspect the o-ring on the plug to make sure it’s doesn’t need replacing.

-Re-assemble the pump, panel, any necessary tubes for your product, and plug the wires together so the red o-ring is covered.

-Fill the fountain up with clean water. To help keep your fountain cleaner for extended periods of time we suggest using our highly recommended Fountain Fresh. It’s a non-toxic water clarifier with all-natural enzymes in powder form that prevents algae from developing and mosquitoes from laying eggs. It can be purchased through many of our retailers or from us directly.

If you have hard water in your area we recommend that you use distilled water instead of tap water, to prevent lime scale build-up. This is merely a suggestion and not a requirement. We realize that this could be a costly solution. As an alternative you could also use rain water. We recommend using a water treatment that kills algae in order to keep the water cleaner for longer periods of time. Do not add live plants or fish to your water feature as this will cause the pump to get clogged up very fast. Do not add bleach to the water or use bleach when cleaning your product as this will deteriorate the pump filter and affect the finish of the fountain by causing it to discolor or fade.

To help keep your fountain cleaner for extended periods of time we suggest using our highly recommended Fountain Fresh. It’s a non-toxic water clarifier with all-natural enzymes in powder form that prevents algae from developing in the water and mosquitoes from laying eggs on the water surface. It can be purchased from many of our retailers or from Smart Solar directly by going to the “Replacement Parts” section of our site on the left and then clicking on “Miscellaneous Parts”.

If you would like to add stones, such as river rocks, or fake plants to decorate your fountain or hide the pump that’s fine. However, we do not recommend having real plants or fish in your water feature. Dirt from the plants, dropping from the fish, and decaying fish food that was not eaten will all cause the filter to become dirty very quickly and the pump to get clogged up. If the impeller is restricted from spinning freely and is left running while clogged up then the pump could burn out and you will be required to purchase a replacement.

If you want to paint your fountain you can use an enamel-based outdoor paint or Rust-Oleum, which offers products for a variety of surfaces including fiberglass, glass, metal, plastic, etc. However, please note that any unauthorized modification to your fountain will void the warranty for that part.

If you have your own water feature already and would like to use a solar or electric pump in it, we can help. Please see the list of questions below to help us determine if we make a product that is adequate for your needs and be able to recommend one which would be most suitable for your application:

How high do you want to pump the water up vertically?
Do you want to pump the water horizontally too? If so, how far?
Do you want the water to spray up out of the fountain or re-circulate in it?
Do you want the pump to be fully submerged or in-line?
Do you want the pump to be deep or sit just below the water surface?
What is the size limit of a pump in order for it to fit into your water feature?
Do you want to run the fountain with a solar pump or electric pump?
If solar, do you want both the pump and solar panel in the fountain?
If not, how far away from the fountain do you want to put the solar panel?
Do you want it to have a battery back-up so it can store energy?
Do you want to run it 24 hrs per day? If so, then you need an electric pump.

This applies to the following products: SP-75, SP-130, SP-160

Hold the pump so that you are looking at the front cover with the yellow /green / blue flow adjustment dial on the front and suction cups on the bottom. Firmly pull the front cover towards you to slide it off the pump. Do not pull by the suction cups on the bottom or you could pull them off. Remove the yellow / green / blue impeller cover by simply pulling it off. Remove the white magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it out. It is not necessary to remove the silver impeller axle / shaft. After cleaning, re-assemble in reverse order.

This applies to the following products: VP-300, VP-600, VP-1150, VP-1650, VP-2250

Hold the pump so that you are looking at the front cover with the black flow adjustment dial. Firmly pull the front cover towards you to detach it. Remove the filter from the front cover. Remove the black impeller cover by pushing it in toward the pump and rotating it COUNTER clock-wise to unlock and remove it. Remove the black magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it out or remove both the impeller and the shaft by gripping the white impeller axle / shaft and pulling them both at on one piece. After cleaning, re-assemble in reverse order.

CLEANING
The most likely cause for this is debris has entered the pump and reached the impeller. Take the pump apart and make sure there is no dirt or debris inside the pump restricting the impeller from turning. If so, remove and clean all parts. Re-assemble in reverse order, and install the pump at the proper depth.

DEPTH
If your pump is being used as a submersible pump, make sure that it is installed at least 6 inches, but not more than 36 inches, below the surface of the water propped up on something such as a cinder block. If the pump is not raised up and it’s sitting on the bottom on your fountain or pond it can easily suck up debris, sand, and small stones which would quickly clog it up, restrict water flow, or damage the impeller.

MISSING PARTS
Make sure you are not missing any pieces, such as the impeller cover. If you are missing any parts please contact customer service.

IMPELLER
The impeller is a wear and tear part. If your pump has become noise and you are not missing any parts and you have taken the pump apart to clean it already then the impeller probably needs replacing.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Check your circuit breaker to see if a fuse has blown or been tripped. If so, reset the switch on the breaker to restore power.

OUTLET
Be certain that the pump is connected to a properly grounded electric outlet and no water has gotten into the socket. If your plug is lower than where your pump is installed, make sure the cord loops below the electrical outlet to form a ‘drip loop’. If not, the water could run down the cord and into the electrical outlet. Try the pump in another outlet to ensure the pump is getting an electrical current. Disconnect the pump from the electrical outlet before handling the pump to avoid risk of shock.

TEMPERATURE
The pump should not be used in water above 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Some models are equipped with an internal temperature protector switch that will automatically turn off the pump in the event of overheating. Once the pump has cooled, the unit will restart provided that no irreversible damage has occurred.

If you have let the pump operate in below freezing temperatures the water will freeze up around the pump and this will cause the pump to become inoperable. If so, you will need to purchase a replacement pump.

If your pump has run dry this will damage the impeller and can cause the motor to overheat and burn out the internal electrical coil. If so, you will need to purchase a replacement pump.

WIRING & PLUG
Make sure that the wiring and plug have not been damaged. Inspect the cord carefully for any cracks or breaks in the insulation. Inspect the prongs on the plug and make sure the grounding pin (3rd prong) on the plug is not damaged. If so, you will need to purchase a replacement pump.

MISSING PARTS
Take the pump apart and make sure that you are not missing any pieces. If you do not have the impeller installed then the motor will seem to make no noise or vibration when plugged in. If you are missing any parts, please contact customer service.

CLEANING & IMPELLER
Make sure there is no dirt or debris inside the pump which could restrict the impeller from turning. If so, clean them and re-assemble in reverse order. If the impeller has been damaged you will need to purchase a replacement impeller.

The SP series pumps (SP-75, 130, 160) are suitable for use as submersible pumps in fresh water only because they have a steel impeller axle/shaft. The VP series pumps (VP-300, 600, 1150, 1650, 2250) are suitable for use as either submersible pumps or in-line pumps in either fresh water or salt water because they have a ceramic impeller axle/shaft which will not rust.

Note: They are not suitable for use in swimming pools due to high levels of chlorine.

No, to shut the pump off you have to unplug it or use a timer with it.

Yes, you can convert most of our electric fountains to run with solar power.

You can substitute your electric pump for a solar pump and solar panel. Since you would need both a pump and panel, you can get a kit which includes both. You have the choice of either getting a pump with a standard solar panel that only works in direct sunlight (Part # 2050PKS) or a pump with a Solar-On-Demand panel with built-in on/off switch and a battery pack that can store power (Part # 2050PKD). Please go to “Replacement Parts” then “Solar Kits” to view and purchase them.

If you are unsure which style fountain you have or would like to know how to convert a different style fountain that is not made by us to run with solar power please ask one of our customer service agents.

This applies to the following solar water features:
Frog, Dove, Cairo, Corsica, Fish, Watering Can, Cascade, Duo Cascade, Urn, Birdbath, 2-Tier


FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (Part # ‘FHousing’ for pump made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing case around the entire pump. It is teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it, and 3 suction cups on the bottom. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

PUMP MOTOR (Part # ‘20020p01’, ‘20500p01’, etc, for pumps made in Thailand)
Once you have removed the pump cover and impeller you will be able to see the whole impeller axle. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

This applies to the following solar water feature products:
Frog, Dove, Cairo, Corsica, Fish, Watering Can, Cascade, Duo Cascade, Urn, Birdbath, 2-Tier

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # n/a, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # n/a, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

PUMP MOTOR (Part # ‘SP-160X01’, ‘SP-160X3S’, for pumps made in China)
Once you have removed the pump cover, impeller cover, and impeller you will be able to see down into the impeller shaft and see the whole silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin and the bottom of the shaft with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

Yes, you can convert most of our solar fountains to run with electricity.

For Birdbath / 2-Tier / Urn style solar fountains
The connection between the pump and solar panel is underwater in the fountain you have 3 options:

(1) You can use your current solar pump (Part # SP-160X01) with a special AC adaptor (Part # 20741ADAPTOR) that has the same plug as the solar panel with an o-ring seal so water won’t get into the connection, but only if you do not run the pump for more than 8 hours per day in order to maintain the life expectancy of the pump. Also, you do not have to remove the solar panel because the 20741ADAPTOR comes with a cap to seal the solar panel plug so that it will not get rusty.

(2) You can substitute your current pump with short wire (Part # SP-160X01) for a pump with a long wire (Part # SP-160X3S) so the connection between the pump and an adaptor is out of the water. This will make it safe to plug it into our standard 6v AC adaptor (Part# A6V-AC-USA). You should remove the solar panel because the plug will not be connected to anything and will end up getting rusty which will ruin the panel.

(3) If you want to run your fountain for 24 hours per day, you can substitute your solar pump for an electric one. We recommend the electric SP-75 Infinity mag-drive pump (with 6 ft cable). You should remove the solar panel because the plug will not be connected to anything and will end up getting rusty which will ruin the panel.

For Cascade / Cairo / Corsica / Large Fish style solar fountains
The connection between the pump and solar panel is out of the water so you have 2 options:

(1) You can use your current solar pump with long wire (Part # SP-160X3S) with our standard 6v AC adaptor (Part # A6V-AC-USA) if you do not run the pump for more than 8 hours per day in order to maintain the life expectancy of the pump.

(2) If you want to run your fountain for 24 hours per day, you can substitute your solar pump for an electric one. We recommend the electric SP-75 Infinity mag-drive pump (with 6 ft cable).

For Frog / Dove / Small Koi Fish spouting style solar fountains
The connection between the pump and solar panel is out of the water, but the pump wire needs to run out through the hole in the back of the bowl so you only have 1 option:

(1) You can use your current solar pump with long wire (Part # SP-160X3S) with our standard 6v AC adaptor (Part # A6V-AC-USA) and not run the pump for more than 8 hours per day in order to maintain the life expectancy of the pump. Unfortunately the 3-prong plug on our electric SP-75 Infinity mag-drive pump is too large to fit through the hole in the back of the bowl so you will not be able to use this pump.

If you are unsure which style fountain you have please browse through the products on our website or if you would like to know how to convert a different style solar fountain that is not made by us to run with electricity please consult one of our customer service agents.

Solar-powered birdbath fountains do not require the installation of any wiring or plumbing from your home. They are cost efficient since they don't require electricity and can be placed anywhere in your yard that receives direct sunlight, opening up a variety of garden designs that would ordinarily be limited by access to electricity. Solar birdbath fountains keep the water moving. This movement attracts more birds to it because their eyesight detects the motion of the water better than still water. More importantly, moving water prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs. You should do as much you can to prevent water from remaining still for more than three days. Still water can become stagnant quickly in regular birdbaths out in the sun and a neglected birdbath can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes which lay eggs on the surface of stagnant still water. These eggs then become adult mosquitoes in about one week. Besides being pests they can spread viruses and diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, and bird flu. To help keep the water in your fountain cleaner for longer periods of time we suggest using our highly recommended Fountain Fresh. It’s a non-toxic water clarifier with all-natural enzymes in a powder form that prevents algae from developing in the water and mosquitoes from laying eggs on the surface. It can be purchased from many of our retailers or from Smart Solar directly by going to “Replacement Parts” then “Miscellaneous Parts”.

We recommend that you do not run the pump for more than 8 hours per day in order to maintain the life expectancy of the pump. The pump is designed for solar power. If you are running the pump 24 hours per day you will decrease the life of the motor and possibly burn it out, which will void the warranty. It should not be left running when it is outside unattended, overnight, or when you are not at home. If you do not want to have to remember to unplug it every night we suggest you plug it into a timer which will automatically shut it off for you. If you want to run your fountain for 24 hours per day we recommend you purchase an electric Infinity mag-drive pump to use in your fountain.

There are essentially two main types of solar panels used in consumer solar products – amorphous and crystalline. Each type uses a different manufacturing process and has distinctive attributes which impact cost and performance.

AMORPHOUS
Amorphous solar panels are manufactured using a thin film deposition process laid onto glass, wherein the prescribed voltage and current are created as part of the actual manufacturing process. Some suppliers produce a second layer of silicon to boost the electrical output, at extra cost, which is referred to as “dual junction”. The process can be highly automated depending on the factory and their production equipment. Historically, dual junction amorphous has mainly been manufactured in Germany whereas single junction amorphous is mainly produced in China, although dual junction factories are now appearing in China too. Amorphous solar panels are easily identified because they have a purplish-blackish appearance without any solder or weld lines and look like darkened glass.

Advantages:
Amorphous offers the benefit of operating in lower light conditions and hence is suitable for many applications that are used in lighting, since it will be able to put some charge into a battery at a lower light level than crystalline solar panels. Amorphous is lower cost than crystalline although it’s less efficient in converting sunlight to energy and as a result requires a larger panel to deliver the same power as a smaller crystalline panel. If size and space is not a problem, amorphous offers distinct advantages for solar battery charging devices. Due to the manufacturing process and the way the electrical connections are made in amorphous panels, it is also possible that even with some shading on part of the solar panel, some electrical power will still be generated and put into a battery.

Disadvantages:
Amorphous is inherently less efficient than crystalline, only being around 7-10% efficient at light conversion compared to a crystalline panel of the same size which has typically between 12-15% efficiency. Depending on the factory and whether it’s a single or dual junction panel, amorphous degrades between 15%-20% after the first 90 days and then levels out. To accommodate this, technical specifications on amorphous are usually stated on net/degraded power, so that the product still receives the necessary power required after the degradation has taken place. By comparison, crystalline remains at about 95% of its stated operating efficiency throughout its life.

CRYSTALLINE
Crystalline panels are produced in two ways – polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Crystals are grown in special chambers and then sliced to create wafers, which in turn are then cut and soldered together to create the necessary voltage and current required. Both types are natural materials and are easy to identify by the actual shiny crystals that are visible as well as the solder and weld lines. Because of this flexibility, crystalline panels are used across a variety of applications that have limited space and/or require placement of multiple panels to achieve the desired circuit where it would be impossible to have one larger amorphous panel (i.e. 4 pieces at each quadrant of a square top lantern that has a finial in the middle).

PolyCrystalline is the lower cost of the two types and is generally slightly more effective in brighter sunlight conditions. Its light conversion efficiency is very slightly lower than monocrystalline. This type of panel is used predominantly in very low end consumer products most likely found at places like Big Lots and Dollar Stores.

MonoCrystalline is the most efficient of these solar types in converting sunlight to energy. It comes in various efficiency grades and as a result different costs. It is most widely used in lighting applications and in most Smart Solar integrated solar panel applications.

Advantages:
MonoCrystalline delivers the highest power output per square inch so that the size of the panel achieves maximum power, and where space is a premium, or where aesthetics dictate the smallest solar panel possible. A similar power amorphous panel would be 50% larger. Once the solar panel is selected it is made to deliver a specified voltage and output charge wattage to either power a pump or charge batteries.

Disadvantages:
Crystalline typically costs more than amorphous. If there is some shading on part of the solar panel, it may stop all power generation from the panel due to the way the electrical connections have been created. Where power is being used to charge a battery this makes it marginally less attractive than amorphous. If the energy is needed to power a device such as pump, the difference is probably not so critical since a pump needs an absolute minimum amount of power to operate, so a solar panel generating only 25% to 50% of its optimum power is less significant because in neither situation would there be enough power to operate the pump.

In summary, we select the type of solar to use depending on the specific application, whether for battery charging or direct drive, which area of the world it will be used, quality and price.

There are several versions of our solar panels with different brackets for each one. Here is a list of descriptions, parts, and assembly instructions for each version based on the model number of the solar panel:

1. NO LABEL (Amorphous)
Panel has a ½” thick silver frame. On the backside there is a hole notched out in one side of the frame. Comes with a black metal bracket with a 3/4’ wide U-shape opening. Includes four 1 1/2’ long screws to mount bracket to desired surface, and two 1/2’ bolts with a washer and nut on each to mount the bracket to the panel. Place the heads of the bolts inside the frame of the panel through the notch and slide them along the frame. Place the bracket over the frame so that the thread of the bolts goes through the two holes in the bracket and fasten it with the 2 nuts.

2. MODEL # 2020AS01 (Amorphous) or # 6016060P1 (PolyCrystalline)
Panel has a thin silver frame. On the backside there are 2 pieces that slide along the frame; 1 along a short side and 1 along a long side. Comes with a black metal bracket with a 1/2’ wide U-shape opening. Includes four 1 1/2’ long screws to mount bracket to desired surface, and two 1/4’ screws to mount the bracket one of the sliders with the pre-drilled holes. Hold the bracket so that the holes line up with the pre-drilled holes in the slider and fasten it with the 2 screws.

3. MODEL # 2050AS01, 21310AS01, 21820AS01, 2190AS01 (Amorphous)
Panel has a thin black frame. Comes with a square black plastic bracket and has an elbow in the middle with a wing nut so you can adjust the angle of the panel. This piece mounts to the box in the center of the back of the panel with four small screws; 1 in each corner of the box. Then you choose whether to slide on either a stake and stick it in the ground or slide on a larger square piece and use the four 1.5’ long screws to mount the bracket to the desired surface. The larger square piece of the mounting kit does not fit onto the back of the solar panel so the 2 square pieces can’t be mixed up.

4. MODEL # SC0W8S, SC1W5S, SC2W0D (Crystalline)
Panel has a thin black plastic frame. They have a textured glass surface and strips of crystalline solar cells which may have a blue tint in the light. Comes with a square black plastic bracket and has an elbow in the middle with a wing nut so you can adjust the angle of the panel. This piece mounts to the box in the center of the back of the panel by sliding into the 2 rails. The rails on the panel box are slightly angled (wider at the top) so the bracket can only slide into the rails from the top, not from the bottom. Then you choose whether to slide on either a stake and stick it in the ground or slide on a larger square piece and use the four 1.5’ long screws to mount the bracket to the desired surface. The larger square piece of the mounting kit does not fit onto the back of the solar panel so the 2 square pieces can’t be mixed up.

5. MODEL # SC1W5B (Crystalline)
Panel has a thick black plastic frame. It has a smooth soft front surface and strips of crystalline solar cells which may have a blue tint in the light. Comes with a black plastic tube which slides into the round area on the back of the panel at a pre-set angle and then can attach the stake and stick it into the ground. This unit does not come with a wall mounting attachment option.

Make sure the outlet on the wall has live electricity being supplied to it by operating a home appliance that is plugged into it. It is highly unlikely that the AC adaptor would need to be replaced unless it is physically damaged, has been submerged in water, or became corroded so if the pump is plugged into the AC adaptor and it makes no noise or vibration then you need to order a replacement pump. If you were running the pump 24 hours per day then you burned it out and need to order a replacement pump.

The single-sided Cascade frame (Part # ‘23900-Stand’) is made up of 4 pieces. It consists of a circular base with 3 feet on it for the large bottom bowl, a slightly curved vertical support piece, and 2 pieces with 2 rings on each to hold the jug and the 3 small bowls. The 2 pieces with 2 rings on them are twisted together when they are packaged and may become difficult to separate. If the piece you have with the rings on it looks like it has double rings then you do have both pieces. It’s not one piece and they are not welded together. You just need to pry or twist the two pieces apart. If it does not look like it has double rings on it then you are in fact missing a piece and you will need to order a replacement stand.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

PUMP FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (for Cascade pump made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing (Part # ‘FHousing’) around the entire pump. It is teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves.

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

TUBING (for Cascade pump)
Make sure that the tubing from the pump up to the jug is not kinked or bent. If it is, then that will restrict the ability of the water to flow out of the tube properly. If you need to straighten out a kink in your tubing we recommend soaking the tube in hot water to soften it up.

AIR (for Cascade pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. It may take a few minutes with the panel in direct sunlight to expel the air out of the pump before it starts pumping the water up to the jug. To get the air out, pull the tube out of the jug and submerge the entire hose underwater while the pump is running. You should see some bubbles. When you raise the tubing back up above the surface water should be flowing out of the tube. If so, reconnect it to the jug/pitcher again. Make sure that the tubing is not kinked and the foam rubber bung seals the hole in the bottom of the jug so that water does not leak out. (It’s not necessary to use the bung with copper cascades). Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

AC ADAPTOR (universal, running)
If you have a 6volt AC adaptor, disconnect the solar panel and try the pump with the adaptor. If the pump is not strong enough to push the water up to the jug when connected to the AC adaptor, providing the impeller and pump cover are both attached to the pump and the tubing is not kinked, then you need to order a replacement pump.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top that the tubing attaches to. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

PUMP MOTOR (for pumps made in China)
Once you have removed the pump cover with filter, the impeller cover with spout, and the impeller you will be able to see down into the impeller shaft and see the whole silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Clean down around the pin and the bottom of the shaft with a Q-tip. Make sure the pump housing is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turn easily.

TUBING (for Cascade pump)
Make sure that the tubing from the pump up to the jug is not kinked or bent. If it is, then that will restrict the ability of the water to flow out of the tube properly. If you need to straighten out a kink in your tubing we recommend soaking the tube in hot water to soften it up.

AIR (for Cascade pump made in China)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover with the spout and the pump cover with the filter. It may take a few minutes with the panel in direct sunlight to expel the air out of the pump before it starts pumping the water up to the jug. To get the air out, pull the tube out of the jug and submerge the entire hose underwater while the pump is running. You should see some bubbles. When you raise the tubing back up above the surface water should be flowing out of the tube. If so, reconnect it to the jug/pitcher again. Make sure that the tubing is not kinked and the foam rubber bung seals the hole in the bottom of the jug so that water does not leak out. (It’s not necessary to use the bung with copper cascades). Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

AC ADAPTOR (universal, running)
If you have a 6volt AC adaptor, disconnect the solar panel and try the pump with the adaptor. If the pump is not strong enough to push the water up to the jug when connected to the AC adaptor, providing the impeller and pump cover are both attached to the pump and the tubing is not kinked, then you need to order a replacement pump.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

TUBING (for Cascade pump)
Make sure that the tubing from the pump up to the jug is not kinked or bent. If it is, then that will restrict the ability of the water to flow out of the tube properly. If you need to straighten out a kink in your tubing we recommend soaking the tube in hot water to soften it up.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. This end of the pump is the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and don’t pull by the filter or you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pump made in Thailand)
Leave the pump cover and impeller off of the pump and allow the pump to run. The motor should make a smooth and quiet humming noise. If so, then the motor is functioning properly. If the motor makes a loud noise without the pump cover and impeller attached then there is a problem internally with the motor and you will need to order a replacement pump. Disconnect or cover the solar panel so that the motor stops running and re-attach the impeller and pump cover, making sure that the 2 fins on the impeller face you and the cover is snapped on securely all the way around. If the motor runs normally for a few seconds and then stops pumping and runs loudly, this is referred to as de-coupling. If you are experiencing de-coupling please contact us for a replacement pump.

DE-COUPLING (for pump made in Thailand)
In order to improve the performance of the pump in low light or partly cloudy conditions, upgrades were made in 2006 to the solar panels that were made in Thailand. The pump needs a certain amount of energy before it can start working. The solar panel builds up energy for approximately 5-10 seconds in a capacitor and then gives the pump a boost in order to get it running, instead of having to remove the pump cover and turn the impeller to manually with your finger to start it. In rare conditions where the sun is very strong, the internal motor magnet will spin too quickly for the impeller. If the magnetic impeller cannot spin as fast as the motor magnet it will not be aligned and end up pushing away from the motor and make contact with the pump cover. This causes the pump stop pumping, but it continues to run and starts making a loud noise because the impeller is hitting the cover. We refer to this as ‘de-coupling’. The motor needs to be stopped before the impeller will reseat itself in the proper position.

Please note that de-coupling may only occur with pumps that were made in Thailand when used in certain areas of the country that receive very strong sunlight during the peak summer days. It will not occur during the winter, spring or autumn in the same regions.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

TUBING (for Cascade pump)
Make sure that the tubing from the pump up to the jug is not kinked or bent. If it is, then that will restrict the ability of the water to flow out of the tube properly. If you need to straighten out a kink in your tubing we recommend soaking the tube in hot water to soften it up.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pumps made in China)
Leave the pump cover and impeller cover and impeller off of the pump. The motor should not make any noise or vibration at all while it’s running. It should appear to do nothing without the impeller. If so, then the motor is functioning properly.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

SOLAR PANEL (for polycrystalline panel #6016060P1)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles inside the panel. The solar cells inside a polycrystalline panel are shiny fragments and have different shades of blue at different angles. If there is a bubble under the glass and it does not reach the strips of cells then the panel should be ok. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage spots then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and does not have any cracks then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panels made in Thailand)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire black or yellow o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP FILTER HOUSING / CASE / SHELL (sometimes comes with pumps made in Thailand)
Some of our pumps may have a filter housing (Part # ‘FHousing’) around the entire pump. It is teardrop shaped with rows of small holes all the way around it. It has a ‘Smart Solar’ logo sticker on the front with ‘ABS’ below it and on the back of it. This housing needs to be removed in order to access the pump. To open the housing, press down on the ‘PRESS’ arrow on the top of the housing and separate it into 2 halves.

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for Cascade pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. It may take a few minutes with the panel in direct sunlight to expel the air out of the pump before it starts pumping the water up to the jug. To get the air out, pull the tube out of the jug and submerge the entire hose underwater while the pump is running. You should see some bubbles. When you raise the tubing back up above the surface water should be flowing out of the tube. If so, reconnect it to the jug/pitcher again. Make sure that the tubing is not kinked and the foam rubber bung seals the hole in the bottom of the jug so that water does not leak out (It’s not necessary to use the bung with copper cascades). Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

AC ADAPTOR (universal, not running)
If you have a 6volt AC adaptor, disconnect the solar panel and try the pump with the adaptor. If the pump doesn’t make any noise or vibration when it’s plugged into the adaptor then you need to order a replacement pump.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard external panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly. Since we are in the northern hemisphere we recommend facing the panel south and tilting it at an angle.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panels made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

Assembly with pump made in Thailand and L-tube:
-place the pump into the bowl and run the wire out the hole at the back of the bowl
-insert the foam bung into the bottom of frog/dove/fish
-insert the L-tube into the foam bung and have the opening of the tube facing the same direction as the frog/dove/fish
-place the frog/dove/fish with the attached bung and tube onto the bowl
-rotate the frog/dove/fish clockwise to lock it onto the bowl
-with one hand hold the frog/dove/fish to stabilize it and with your other hand attach the pump to the L-tube under the lip of the bowl with the white label and wire on the pump facing the right side of the bowl and the filter on the pump facing the center of the bowl
-you can also rotate the pump so that the filter faces the left side of the bowl and the white label and wire on the pump face the center of the bowl
-please note that there is not enough room in the bowl to have the wire and label on the pump facing the back of the bowl

Assembly with pump made in China and straight tube:
-place the pump into the bowl and run the wire out the hole at the back of the bowl
-insert the foam bung into the bottom of frog/dove/fish
-insert the straight tube into the foam bung so that the bottom of the tube is almost flush with the bottom of the bung
-hold the pump securely under the lip of the bowl so that the wire faces the right side of the bowl and the black label on the side of the pump faces the center of the bowl
-with your other hand place the frog/dove/fish with the attached bung and tube down onto the pump tube -once the pump is attached to the frog/dove/fish sit it down all the way onto the bowl
-with one hand hold the pump in place and with your other hand rotate the frog/dove/fish clockwise to lock it onto the bowl
-please note that there is not enough room in the bowl to have the wire on the pump facing the back of the bowl
-if you would like to request an L-tube for use with this pump please contact customer service. When using an L-tube with this version of the pump you should install it so that the wire faces the left side of the bowl and the white ‘QC passed’ label (on the bottom of the pump) faces the center of the bowl.

If you had an older version of the pump (such as #20020P01) and an older version of the panel (such as #2060AS01) and then you received a new version of the panel (such as #SB1W1S) you will not be able to insert the tube from your old pump into the bottom of the new panel without an additional extension tube. The old versions of the panels had a tube built into the bottom of them so an additional piece was not necessary, but the new versions of the panels are redesigned and are flush across the bottom. If you have your fountain head set you can use the extension tube from it and use it in between the pump and panel. If you don’t have an extension tube, please let us know and we will mail one out to you.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

TUBE (for pump made in Thailand)
Make sure the pump tube is securely attached to the tube on the bottom of the solar panel. If your pump swings around or dangles on the wire when you lift up the solar panel then the tube is not connected. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the panel if they are not connected. Some water features with shallow reservoirs require an L-shaped corner tube between the pump and panel in order to have the pump fit properly.

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

AIR (for Birdbath pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. It may take a few minutes with the panel in direct sunlight to expel the air out of the pump before it starts pumping the water up to the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

TUBE (for pump made in China)
Make sure the pump tube is securely attached to the tube on the bottom of the solar panel. If your pump swings around or dangles on the wire when you lift up the solar panel then the tube is not connected. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the panel if they are not connected.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

AIR (for Birdbath pump made in China)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover with spout and the pump cover with filter. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the bottom of the panel. Place the solar panel and pump back into the water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

PUMP COVER (Part # ‘pcover’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. This end of the pump is the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and don’t pull by the filter or you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pump made in Thailand)
Leave the pump cover and impeller off of the pump and allow the pump to run. The motor should make a smooth and quiet humming noise. If so, then the motor is functioning properly. If the motor makes a loud noise without the pump cover and impeller attached then there is a problem internally with the motor and you will need to order a replacement pump. Disconnect or cover the solar panel so that the motor stops running and re-attach the impeller and pump cover, making sure that the 2 fins on the impeller face you and the cover is snapped on securely all the way around. If the motor runs normally for a few seconds and then stops pumping and runs loudly, this is referred to as de-coupling. If you are experiencing de-coupling please contact us for a replacement pump.

DE-COUPLING (for pump made in Thailand)
In order to improve the performance of the pump in low light or partly cloudy conditions, upgrades were made in 2006 to the solar panels that were made in Thailand. The pump needs a certain amount of energy before it can start working. The solar panel builds up energy for approximately 5-10 seconds in a capacitor and then gives the pump a boost in order to get it running, instead of having to remove the pump cover and turn the impeller to manually with your finger to start it. In rare conditions where the sun is very strong, the internal motor magnet will spin too quickly for the impeller. If the magnetic impeller cannot spin as fast as the motor magnet it will not be aligned and end up pushing away from the motor and make contact with the pump cover. This causes the pump stop pumping, but it continues to run and starts making a loud noise because the impeller is hitting the cover. We refer to this as ‘de-coupling’. The motor needs to be stopped before the impeller will reseat itself in the proper position.

Please note that de-coupling may only occur with pumps that were made in Thailand when used in certain areas of the country that receive very strong sunlight during the peak summer days. It will not occur during the winter, spring or autumn in the same regions.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is can make a constant loud noise as it runs dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pumps made in China)
Leave the pump cover and impeller cover and impeller off of the pump. The motor should not make any noise or vibration at all while it’s running. It should appear to do nothing without the impeller. If so, then the motor is functioning properly.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (universal)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow or red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire black or yellow or red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panels made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for Birdbath with pump made in China)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover with spout and the pump cover with filter. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the bottom of the panel. Place the pump and panel back into the water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

SUBMERGED (universal, 2-tier with pump made in Thailand)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is running dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the top of the pump should be about 2-3 inches below the bung. If the top of your pump is less than 1 inch away from the bung (so you can just fit one finger in the gap) then you are missing a tube which means your pump is up too high and is not submerged in the water.

TUBE KIT (universal, 2-tier with pump made in Thailand)
All 2-tier fountains should come with a 2-tier tube kit, which includes two 2 inch tubes and a 2 inch wide foam rubber bung with a hole in the middle and a slit on the side. You need to make sure that the pump is securely attached to the 2 tubes that go up through the foam bung that seals the hole in the resin under the solar panel and that tube is also securely inserted into the bottom of the solar panel. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the top of the pump should be about 1 ½ - 2 inches below the bung. If the top of your pump is less than 1 inch away from the bung or touching it, then you are missing a tube which means your pump is up too high and is not submerged in the water. If your pump swings around underneath or dangles on the wire then the tube is not connected. If you can walk up to the fountain and lift the solar panel up out of the top tier then the tube is not connected securely. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the tubes and the panel if they are all not connected properly. If any of the tubes are cracked you need to order a replacement tube kit (Part # ‘2090kit2’).

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

AIR (for Birdbath pump made in Thailand)
If the motor runs and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the pump cover making sure that its snapped on securely all the way around. It may take a few minutes with the panel in direct sunlight to expel the air out of the pump before it starts pumping the water up to the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

SUBMERGED (universal, 2-tier with pump made in China)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is running dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the pump should be about 3 1/2 inches below the bung. If your pump is only about 1 inch away from the bung then you are missing a tube.

TUBE KIT (universal, 2-tier with pump made in China)
All 2-tier fountains should come with a 2-tier tube kit, which includes two 2 inch tubes and a 2 inch wide foam rubber bung with a hole in the middle and a slit on the side. You need to make sure that the pump is securely attached to the 2 tubes that go up through the foam bung that seals the hole in the resin under the solar panel and that tube is also securely inserted into the bottom of the solar panel. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the pump should be about 3 1/2 inches below the bung. If your pump is only about 1 inch away from the bung then you are missing a tube and your pump is not submerged in water. If your pump swings around underneath or dangles on the wire then the tube is not connected. If you can walk up to the fountain and lift the solar panel up out of the top tier then the tube is not connected securely. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the tubes and the panel if they are all not connected properly. If any of the tubes are cracked you need to order a replacement tube kit (Part # ‘2090kit2’). Squeeze the pump and panel together to ensure everything is secure, but not hard enough that you crack one of the tubes.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

AIR (for Birdbath pump made in China)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover with spout and the pump cover with filter. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the bottom of the panel. Place the solar panel and pump back into the water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal, 2-tier with pump made in Thailand)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is running dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the top of the pump should be about 2-3 inches below the bung. If the top of your pump is less than 1 inch away from the bung (so you can just fit one finger in the gap) then you are missing a tube which means your pump is up too high and is not submerged in the water.

TUBE KIT (universal, 2-tier with pump made in Thailand)
All 2-tier fountains should come with a 2-tier tube kit, which includes two 2 inch tubes and a 2 inch wide foam rubber bung with a hole in the middle and a slit on the side. You need to make sure that the pump is securely attached to the 2 tubes that go up through the foam bung that seals the hole in the resin under the solar panel and that tube is also securely inserted into the bottom of the solar panel. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the top of the pump should be about 1 ½ - 2 inches below the bung. If the top of your pump is less than 1 inch away from the bung or touching it, then you are missing a tube which means your pump is up too high and is not submerged in the water. If your pump swings around underneath or dangles on the wire then the tube is not connected. If you can walk up to the fountain and lift the solar panel up out of the top tier then the tube is not connected securely. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the tubes and the panel if they are all not connected properly. If any of the tubes are cracked you need to order a replacement tube kit (Part # ‘2090kit2’).

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you can touch the impeller already then you are missing the pump cover and need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pump made in Thailand)
Leave the pump cover and impeller off of the pump and allow the pump to run. The motor should make a smooth and quiet humming noise. If so, then the motor is functioning properly. If the motor makes a loud noise without the pump cover and impeller attached then there is a problem internally with the motor and you will need to order a replacement pump. Disconnect or cover the solar panel so that the motor stops running and re-attach the impeller and pump cover, making sure that the 2 fins on the impeller face you and the cover is snapped on securely all the way around. If the motor runs normally for a few seconds and then stops pumping and runs loudly, this is referred to as de-coupling. If you are experiencing de-coupling please contact us for a replacement pump.

DE-COUPLING (for pump made in Thailand)
In order to improve the performance of the pump in low light or partly cloudy conditions, upgrades were made in 2006 to the solar panels that were made in Thailand. The pump needs a certain amount of energy before it can start working. The solar panel builds up energy for approximately 5-10 seconds in a capacitor and then gives the pump a boost in order to get it running, instead of having to remove the pump cover and turn the impeller to manually with your finger to start it. In rare conditions where the sun is very strong, the internal motor magnet will spin too quickly for the impeller. If the magnetic impeller cannot spin as fast as the motor magnet it will not be aligned and end up pushing away from the motor and make contact with the pump cover. This causes the pump stop pumping, but it continues to run and starts making a loud noise because the impeller is hitting the cover. We refer to this as ‘de-coupling’. The motor needs to be stopped before the impeller will reseat itself in the proper position.

Please note that de-coupling may only occur with pumps that were made in Thailand when used in certain areas of the country that receive very strong sunlight during the peak summer days. It will not occur during the winter, spring or autumn in the same regions.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

SUBMERGED (universal, 2-tier with pump made in China)
Make sure that the pump is fully submerged in the water. If the pump is running out of the water is running dry. This will eventually cause the pump to burn out. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the pump should be about 3 1/2 inches below the bung. If your pump is only about 1 inch away from the bung then you are missing a tube.

TUBE KIT (universal, 2-tier with pump made in China)
All 2-tier fountains should come with a 2-tier tube kit, which includes two 2 inch tubes and a 2 inch wide foam rubber bung with a hole in the middle and a slit on the side. You need to make sure that the pump is securely attached to the 2 tubes that go up through the foam bung that seals the hole in the resin under the solar panel and that tube is also securely inserted into the bottom of the solar panel. If you are missing a tube then your pump may be up too high inside the top tier and it may not be submerged in water. With both tubes installed, the pump should be about 3 1/2 inches below the bung. If your pump is only about 1 inch away from the bung then you are missing a tube and your pump is not submerged in water. If your pump swings around underneath or dangles on the wire then the tube is not connected. If you can walk up to the fountain and lift the solar panel up out of the top tier then the tube is not connected securely. The pump will not be able to push the water up through the tubes and the panel if they are all not connected properly. If any of the tubes are cracked you need to order a replacement tube kit (Part # ‘2090kit2’). Squeeze the pump and panel together to ensure everything is secure, but not hard enough that you crack one of the tubes.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MOTOR (for pumps made in China)
Leave the pump cover and impeller cover and impeller off of the pump. The motor should not make any noise or vibration at all while it’s running. It should appear to do nothing without the impeller. If so, then the motor is functioning properly.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (universal)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the black or yellow or red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire black or yellow or red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘Impeller’, for pumps made in Thailand)
Underneath the pump cover is a circular magnetic impeller with two fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller with pliers by pulling it straight off by one of the fins or get under it with something flat and lift it off. Make sure the pump housing and impeller are clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order a replacement.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for 2-Tier with pump made in Thailand)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller and the pump cover with filter. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the tube kit and the tube kit is securely inserted into the hole in the bottom of the panel. Place the top tier into the main bowl of water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

CONNECTION (for panels made in China)
Unplug the wire that connects the solar panel to the pump by pulling them apart. Check for any green or white build-up or corrosion on & in the silver plugs. This would be a sign that water got into the connection because it was not water tight. If there is any build-up in the plugs they will need to be cleaned and dried off before re-connecting them. If there is a lot of build up or rust on the silver plugs then the solar panel or pump or both might need to be replaced. Inspect the red rubber o-ring on the solar panel plug. If the o-ring is cracked or deteriorated then it needs to be replaced. If you are missing the o-ring then you will have an empty groove around the plug and you need to order a replacement. If the o-ring is ok then reconnect the plugs again. Be sure to twist them as you push them together until the entire o-ring on the solar panel plug is covered all the way around and inside the sleeve of the pump plug to ensure a water-tight connection. If you look at the plugs when it’s flat on a table you should not be able to see the o-ring.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

MANUAL START (universal)
If the impeller does not turn on its own, try manually starting the pump. To do so, take the pump and solar panel outside and make sure the connection is correct. The pump does not have to be in water for a manual start. Hold it up in the air and while facing the solar panel toward direct sunlight, turn the impeller clock-wise with your finger. Please note that attempting to try a manual start outside when it’s cloudy or indoors by holding the solar panel under a light in your house will not work. You must be outside in direct sunlight, not behind a window or screen.

AIR (for 2-Tier with pump made in China)
If the motor begins to run and the impeller spins on its own then re-attach the impeller cover with spout and the pump cover with filter. Make sure the tube on the pump is connected to the tube kit and the tube kit is securely inserted into the hole in the bottom of the panel. Place the top tier into the main bowl of water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the solar panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

ASSEMBLY
The first thing you should do is double check the assembly. You want to make sure that the tube that comes up through the bung from the pump is inserted into the bottom of the solar panel tightly. To check this, simply walk up to your fountain and gently tug on the tube that comes up out of the solar panel. If you can lift your solar panel out of the top tier and see the wire that comes out of the bottom of it then you do NOT have it connected correctly because the panel is just resting on the fountain and that is causing it to seem weak. To correct this, set the solar panel into the top of the tier and hold it in place with one hand, and with your other hand grab the pump underneath and then squeeze them together. If done properly then the pump, tubes, and panel should all act as one piece and the solar panel will NOT lift out of the top tier when you tug on it.

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for amorphous panels made in Thailand)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or hard water scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. Once it’s clean the glass should be smooth to the touch, however you may still see some water stains. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. If the panel has any cracks then it needs to be replaced. Hold the panel in the sun, look through the glass, and check for any silver spots or subtle red blotchy areas inside the panel. This would be signs that water has gotten past the seal around the edge and inside the panel. If the panel has this type of discoloration then it needs to be replaced. However, if there’s just a faded area that is an even strip across the whole panel then that is normal and the panel is ok. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed then the panel needs to be replaced. If the panel is clean, has no cracks, no discoloration, and no breaks in the wire then it should be functional.

PUMP COVER (for pumps made in Thailand)
Hold the pump so you can read the white label. The top of the pump where the wire comes out is sealed. Do not attempt to open the top of the pump. There are 4 vertical bumps around the bottom of the pump that are shaped like arrows that point downward. The line that goes through all the arrows is where it separates. It is not sealed and is removable. This end of the pump is called the pump cover. It’s shaped like a '6' or ‘9’ and may have a spongy filter attached to it. You can pull/pop this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off and do not pull by the filter otherwise you will rip it off. If you have trouble removing the pump cover, try prying it off using your fingernail, a butter knife, or flat-head screwdriver on the triangle of the second arrow from the right which is below the middle of the white label. Once removed, clean the inside of the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order a replacement.

If you have checked the assembly and the panel does not lift out, you have optimum conditions, have done the cleaning maintenance, and do not have the fountain head set on the panel, and it still seems to be weak then you might need to replace the pump.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

ASSEMBLY
The first thing you should do is double check the assembly. You want to make sure that the tube that comes up through the bung from the pump is inserted into the bottom of the solar panel tightly. To check this, simply walk up to your fountain and gently tug on the tube that comes up out of the solar panel. If you can lift your solar panel out of the top tier and see the wire that comes out of the bottom of it then you do NOT have it connected correctly because the panel is just resting on the fountain and that is causing it to seem weak. To correct this, set the solar panel into the top of the tier and hold it in place with one hand, and with your other hand grab the pump underneath and then squeeze them together. If done properly then the pump, tubes, and panel should all act as one piece and the solar panel will NOT lift out of the top tier when you tug on it.

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for standard integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight, not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump because the sun is at a low angle. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump.

The panel does not need time to charge before it works and it does not have a built-in battery pack so it will not store any energy. It operates in direct sunlight only.

SOLAR PANEL (for crystalline panels made in China)
The glass on the solar panel needs to be cleaned regularly with a glass cleaner to prevent it from developing any algae, dirt or scale build up that would potentially filter or block the sunlight that the solar panel needs to be able to absorb to power the pump. The surface of the glass is textured so even after it’s clean it won’t feel smooth. Make sure that the solar panel has no cracks in the glass. Look through the glass and check for any bubbles or air pockets inside the panel under the glass. If there’s a blue tint to some of the lines of solar cells that is normal. If the panel has any cracks or internal water damage then it needs to be replaced. Look at the underside of the solar panel where the wire is connected to it. Gently flex it back and forth and make sure that there are no breaks in the wire and it has not come away from the panel. If you can see a white or yellow wire exposed, a crack in the glass, or bubbles under the glass then you need to order a replacement. If the panel is clean and doesn’t have any cracks or spots then it should be functional.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

If you have checked the assembly and the panel does not lift out, you have optimum conditions, have done the cleaning maintenance, and do not have the fountain head set on the panel, and it still seems to be weak then you might need to replace the pump.

Lift up the top tier and look underneath where the pump is. The tube from the pump runs up to the panel through a 2 inch wide hole in the resin. This hole needs to be sealed with a bung. The bung is a 2 inch wide black foam disc with a hole in the middle and a slit on the side. If the hole is not sealed with the bung then the water will run down under the panel and through the hole back down to the pump. If your bung is on the tubing but above the hole then it is not in the right place. It needs to be installed from underneath the hole. If your bung on the tubing but down by the pump then place the wire from the panel in the slit in the side of the bung, hold the solar panel in place with one hand, and with your other hand slide the bung up the tube away from the pump and push it into the hole to completely seal it all the way around. When you have the bung properly installed in the hole then the upper portion of the top tier will fill up and pour out over the spouts of the top tier into the main bowl. If you are missing the foam bung then you will need to order a replacement (Part # ‘2090kit2’). Only the foam bung will make the top tier overflow. The panel does not need to form a seal around it to make the top tier overflow. Do not try to seal the panel to the top tier with any kind of sealant.

FOR SOLAR PANEL & PUMP MADE IN THAILAND:
If you have taken apart the top tier of your fountain to replace a part or clean it then you will need to make sure you re-assemble it properly. Check that you have all the pieces before you begin: pump (with attached impeller and pump cover with filter), solar panel, and tube kit (with two 2 inch long tubes and one 2 inch wide foam bung). If the tube on the pump is the same height as the pump then you do not have one of the tubes from the tube kit on the pump, but if the tube on the pump is taller than the pump and has a tapered end then you have one of the tubes attached to the pump already. If you are missing any of these parts you will need to order replacement parts (Part # pump ‘sp-160x01’, panel ‘sb1w1s’, tube kit ‘2090kit2’).

Make sure the pump is assembled (Put the magnetic impeller on the pump and make sure that the 2 fins on the impeller face you. Snap the pump cover onto the bottom of the pump over the impeller making sure that it’s sealed all the way around). Attach the two 2 inch long tubes to each other and to the pump. Slide the foam bung onto the tubes and down to the bottom of the first tube (don’t slide it onto the second tube which is closer to the pump). Gently lay the top tier on its side on a soft surface. Extend the wire from the panel (with the black or yellow o-ring) through the hole in the top tier. Connect the plug from the panel to the plug from the pump making sure the o-ring disappears and is completely covered all the way around. Insert the panel wire into the slit in the side of the bung (so the plug connection is below the bung). Set the solar panel into the top of the tier and hold it in place with one hand; with your other hand insert the tube from the pump into the hole in the bottom of the solar panel (squeeze them together). If attached properly then the pump, tubes, and panel should all act as one piece. Lastly, continue to hold the panel in place with one hand and with the other hand, slide the foam bung up the tube away from the pump into the hole to seal. Make sure the bung is completely in the hole all the way around. Place the fully assembled top tier back into the main bowl of the fountain. Fill the main bowl to make sure that the pump is completely submerged in water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Exceptions: The Richmond 2-Tier Fountain has a short top tier and comes with 3 inches of tubes. The Milano 2-Tier Fountain has a tall top tier and comes with 8 inches of tubes (between the pump and panel).

Note: The order of the top tier assembly steps can vary if necessary. We suggest using any method that is easier for you during installation as long as the final result is the same.

FOR SOLAR PANEL & PUMP MADE IN CHINA:
If you have taken apart the top tier of your fountain to replace a part or clean it then you will need to make sure you re-assemble it properly. Check that you have all the pieces before you begin: pump (with attached impeller, impeller cover with spout, and pump cover with filter), solar panel, tube kit (with two 2 inch long tubes and one 2 inch wide foam bung). The spout on the top of the pump is already tapered but if it’s only less than about ½” then you do not have one of the tubes attached to the pump already. If you are missing any of these parts you will need to order replacement parts. (Part # pump ‘sp-160x01’, panel ‘sb1w1s’, tube kit ‘2090kit2’)

Make sure the pump is assembled (Put the magnetic impeller to the pump. Attach the impeller cover with spout by putting it on the pump in the 2 o’clock position so the grooves line up, and then rotate it counter clock-wise to the 12 o’clock position to lock it on. Slide the pump cover on over the impeller cover). Attach the two 2 inch long tubes to each other and to the pump. Slide the foam bung onto the tubes and down to the bottom of the first tube (don’t slide it onto the second tube which is closer to the pump). Gently lay the top tier on its side on a soft surface. Extend the wire from the panel (with the red o-ring) through the hole in the top tier. Connect the plug from the panel to the plug from the pump making sure the o-ring disappears and is completely covered all the way around. Insert the panel wire into the slit in the side of the bung (so the plug connection is below the bung). Set the solar panel into the top of the tier and hold it in place with one hand; with your other hand insert the tube from the pump into the hole in the bottom of the solar panel (squeeze them together). If attached properly then the pump, tubes, and panel should all act as one piece. Lastly, continue to hold the panel in place with one hand and with the other hand, slide the foam bung up the tube away from the pump into the hole to seal. Make sure the bung is completely in the hole all the way around. Place the fully assembled top tier back into the main bowl of the fountain. Fill the main bowl to make sure that the pump is completely submerged in water. It may take a few minutes in direct sunlight before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Exceptions: The Richmond 2-Tier Fountain has a short top tier and comes with 3 inches of tubes. The Milano 2-Tier Fountain has a tall top tier and comes with 8 inches of tubes (between the pump and panel).

Note: The order of the top tier assembly steps can vary if necessary. We suggest using any method that is easier for you during installation as long as the final result is the same.

The ‘I’ and ‘O’ stand for input and output. They refer to communication between things in a system. By using the symbols ‘I’ and ‘O’ instead of the words ‘on’ and ‘off’ it makes the parts more universal and allows us supply the same parts to different countries with different languages. With the switch in the 'I' (on) position the panel will either use the power from the sun or take power from the battery pack and dedicate it to running the pump, so the battery will not be getting charged at this time.

With the switch in the 'O' (off & charge) position the panel will use the power from the sun and dedicate it to only charging the battery pack, so the pump will not be running at this time.

A Solar-On-Demand fountain does have a battery pack but some people misunderstand how it functions. The unit cannot run the pump and adequately charge the battery at the same time. Just because it has a battery does not mean it will be able to run all day and all night. This is how it works:

If you have the switch in the 'I' (on) position the panel will either use the power from the sun (day time) or take power from the battery pack (cloudy or night time) and dedicate it to running the pump, so the battery will not be getting charged at this time.

To run the fountain at night you will need to leave the switch in the 'O' (off & charge) position during the day so that the panel will take the power from the sun and charge the battery, so the pump will not be running at this time. Then when you turn the unit on at night it will run the pump from the charged battery.

In order to have the fountain run during the day and then during the evening (on the same day), you would need to leave it turned off and allow it to fully charge the battery the day before you plan on using it. Then if the next day is sunny with clear skies, you can turn it on it will run using the sun throughout the day. Then in the evening when the sun goes down it will continue to run using the battery until the battery gets low. Please note that throughout the day the battery pack may be getting slightly used at times when the sun goes behind clouds, trees, etc so you may not get the full 6 hours of operation in the evening. You will only be able to attempt this every other day during the summer because it will be charging for a whole day, then running for the whole next day, then repeat.

If you leave the switch set to ‘O’ (off) for a day to charge the battery then…
the next day the battery pack should be fully charged and this is how it will typically operate:
In the early morning…
when you go outside and set the switch to ‘I’ (on) the pump will run using the battery because the sun is not yet strong enough to run the pump
During the day…
the pump runs using the panel if in direct sunlight or using the battery when cloudy
As the sun goes down in the evening…
the pump runs using the battery pack
At night time…
the battery for the pump run until low (~30% left = less than 4.8v), then the pump shuts off
because…
the pump requires 4.8v to run
on a full charge the pump can run 6 hrs
however…
please note the battery automatically gets used throughout the day anytime the sun goes behind trees or passing clouds so you can’t expect a full 6 hours from the battery if the pump has been running all day when this happens


If you leave the switch set to ‘I’ (on) for a day to run the pump then…
the next day the battery pack will be empty and this is how it will typically operate:
In the morning…
the lights will be off and the battery for the lights will be empty because they were on all night the switch will already be set to ‘I’ (on) but the pump will not run because the batteries are empty and the sun is not yet strong enough to run the pump
During the day…
the pump runs using the panel if in direct sunlight but stops when cloudy because the batteries are not charged
As the sun goes down in the evening…
the pump will stop running because the sun isn’t strong
At night time…
the pump will not run because the battery is not charged

If you have a Smart Solar fountain already and would like it to store power and run off a battery pack you can upgrade it with a Solar-On-Demand kit without buying a whole new fountain. We have a variety of options. The Solar-On-Demand panels for our birdbaths are the same size and shape as our standard solar panels so they fit into all of our Birdbath fountains, 2-Tier fountains, and 2-tier Estate fountains. If your birdbath is fountain has a round reservoir then you will also need a mounting ring kit (Part #2060mk, sold separately) for it to fit properly. The Solar-On-Demand panel for our Cascades is a slightly different size but it doesn’t make a difference because the panel is used outside of the fountain. All Solar-On-Demand kits come with the same pump that you would use with a standard solar panel.

Most of the retailers that we supply choose to order new fountains with standard solar panels in order to keep their costs down so that they can sell our products to consumers at lower rates. Other retailers decide to offer our products with Solar-On-Demand kits in them to sell a more exclusive version of fountains even if it makes the cost slightly higher. Please pay attention to the advertising used by a retailer to ensure that the fountain you are about to order will work the way you want it to. If it’s advertised as ”operates in direct sunlight only” and doesn’t mention a battery pack then it doesn’t come with a Solar-On-Demand kit. Also, some of our fountains come with only an electric pump instead of a solar panel and pump. If it’s advertised as ”UL listed” then it comes with an electric pump.

Yes, we recommend fully charging your battery pack before storing it for the winter. Since the battery will self-discharge during storage try to top it up periodically, if possible. Do not discharge the battery completely and then store it for a prolonged period of time. For more information about batteries please go to the BATTERIES section of the FAQ’s.

If you have the pump, panel, and battery fully assembled with the plugs connected properly (green to green, and black to black) and the pump runs when the switch arrow faces ‘O’ (off) then the magnetic contact under the glass for the switch is stuck in the ‘I’ (on) position. Tap on the glass firmly several times and rotate the switch (for Birdbaths), or slide the switch up and down (for Cascades). If this does not free up the switch contacts and turn the pump off then the solar panel needs to be replaced. Remove the battery pack by sliding it out of the rails and disconnecting the green plugs. If there is a foam strip on the bottom of the panel that gets in the way then you can pull the battery past it or remove the foam strip first. Contact us for a replacement panel and provide the Model and QC passed numbers from your panel.

No, do not assume that you need a new battery just because it comes with one. After troubleshooting you may find that you just needed better weather conditions, needed to charge the battery, needed to perform the cleaning maintenance, need a new pump, or need a new solar panel if the switch isn’t working.

We recommend allowing it to fully charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days with the switch on the ‘O’ (off) before attempting to use the product for the first time.

If you’ve already done that then the battery should be charged. If your fountain still does nothing when you set the switch to ‘I’ (on) day or night, then you might actually need a new pump or new panel - not a battery.

If your fountain does nothing with the switch set to ‘I’ in the middle of a sunny summer day then you definitely do NOT need a new battery. Even if your battery was low or bad or not connected at all, the fountain would still work when the panel is in direct sunlight.

However, if your fountain does work during a sunny day with the switch set to ‘I’ (on), but not at night after charging the battery all day with the switch set to ‘O’ (off & charge), then your battery might need to be replaced. The battery pack should only need to be replaced if it is several years old, physically damaged, or the plug is corroded because it wasn’t connected properly with the o-ring covered.

For more information please refer to the other questions listed in this section for troubleshooting that corresponds to the type of fountain that you have.

If you just set your fountain up for the first time we recommend allowing it to fully charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days with the switch in the ‘O’ (off & charge) position before attempting to use the product. If you have already done that then please try the following steps:

&bull Remove the pump from the fountain.
&bull Remove the panel from the ground or wall and lay it on a soft surface.
&bull Make sure the solar panel and pump are clean and dry.

If your fountain is not new and the pump is dirty or the solar panel has hard water build up on the glass then perform the regular cleaning maintenance that is listed in your instruction manual. If you have already done it then continue to step 1:

&bull (A) TRY THE PUMP TO BATTERY DIRECTLY (steps 1-3)
1- Pull apart the set of green plugs between the solar panel and battery.

2- Pull apart the set of black plugs between the solar panel and pump.

3- Plug the pump into the battery directly by mixing & match the plugs.
Connect the green one with the red o-ring (from the battery) to the black one with the sleeve (from the pump).

Note: You do not need to connect the black one with the red o-ring (from the panel) into the green one with the sleeve (from the panel). Plugging the panel into itself will do nothing.
-Can you hear or feel the pump running?
(if “Yes” then you know that the pump and battery are both good)
(if “No, the pump makes no noise or vibration” then the battery might not be charged. Don’t assume that either the battery or pump need to be replaced just yet).

&bull (B) TRY THE PUMP & BATTERY TO PANEL ON ‘I’ (steps 4-6)
4- Re-connect both sets of plugs back up the correctly (green to green, and black to black so both red o-rings are covered)

5- Slide the switch on the panel up to the ‘I’(on) position.
-Can you hear or feel the pump running?
(If “Yes, the pump runs during steps 3 & 5” then all parts are functioning properly and you can stop troubleshooting now. Place the pump back into the fountain)
(If “No, the pump runs during step 3 but not step 5” then continue to step 6.
The battery might not be charged so don’t assume that it needs to be replaced yet. If the battery is very low then step 3 will work but step 5 will not because it has just enough power to run the pump directly but doesn’t have enough power to go through the panel to run the pump)

6- Physically inspect the panel and switch.
-Is the glass cracked?
(If “No” then continue, if “Yes” then it needs to be replaced)
-Does the switch feel loose or fall down to ‘O’ when you slide it up to the ‘I’?
(If “No” then continue, if “Yes” then make a note and continue)
-Does the switch click when you slide it back and forth from ‘O’ to ‘I’?
(If “Yes” then continue, if “No” then make a note and continue)

Continue to step 7 to try a ‘manual start’ or ‘kick start’. Please note that if it’s not sunny outside where you are at the moment, then you will need to wait for a sunny day before continuing to step 7 in order to successfully attempt a manual start.

&bull (C) TRY TO MANUALLY START THE PUMP (steps 7-10)

7- Remove the pump cover with filter (pull off the end with the ‘smart solar’ logo and the slits all around it) then remove the impeller cover with spout (turn the piece shaped like the letter ‘b’ with the 3 prongs clockwise from the 12 o’clock to 2 o’clock position so the grooves line up and it comes off) to expose the white impeller.

8- Make sure that the switch on the panel is up in the ‘I’(on) position.

9- Go outside and hold the solar panel up in the air facing direct sunlight
(If you are standing indoors under artificial light, or behind a window or screen, or the sun is being filtered by clouds or trees then step 10 will not work. It must be direct sunlight.)

10- While the panel is in direct sunlight turn the impeller clockwise.
-Does it start to turn by itself?
(If “Yes, the pump didn’t run when I plugged it directly into the battery directly [step 3] but it runs now when I do a manual start” then the pump and panel are functioning normally and the battery needs to be charged. Re-assemble the pump, turn the switch so the arrow faces the ‘O’ (off) and allow it to charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days before turning the unit on again)
(If “No, the pump didn’t run when I plugged it into the battery directly [step 3] and or when I do a manual start in direct sun [step 10]” then replace you might need either a new pump or new panel. If the switch on your solar panel seemed fine and clicks when you turn it then we start by replacing the pump. If the switch on your solar panel is loose, lifts up, and doesn’t click when you turn it then we suggest replacing the solar panel)

If you just set your fountain up for the first time we recommend allowing it to fully charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days with the switch arrow facing the ‘O’ (off & charge) before attempting to use the product. If you have already done that then please try the following steps:

&bull Lift the solar panel with attached pump up out of the fountain.
&bull Make sure the solar panel and pump are both clean and dry.

If your fountain is not new and the pump is dirty or the solar panel has hard water build up on the glass then perform the regular cleaning maintenance that is listed in your instruction manual. If you have already done it then continue to step 1:

&bull (A) TRY THE PUMP TO BATTERY DIRECTLY (steps 1-3)

1- Pull apart the set of green plugs between the solar panel and battery.

2- Pull apart the set of black plugs between the solar panel and pump.

3- Plug the pump into the battery directly by mixing & match the plugs.
Connect the green one with the red o-ring (from the battery) to the black one with the sleeve (from the pump).

Note: You do not need to connect the black one with the red o-ring (from the panel) into the green one with the sleeve (from the panel). Plugging the panel into itself will do nothing.
-Can you hear or feel the pump running?
(if “Yes” then you know that the pump and battery are both good)
(if “No, the pump makes no noise or vibration” then the battery might not be charged. Don’t assume that either the battery or pump need to be replaced just yet).

&bull (B) TRY THE PUMP & BATTERY TO PANEL ON ‘I’ (steps 4-6)

4- Re-connect both sets of plugs back up the correctly (green to green, and black to black so both red o-rings are covered)

5- Turn the switch on the panel so the arrow is facing the ‘I’(on).
-Can you hear or feel the pump running?
(If “Yes, the pump runs during steps 3 & 5” then all parts are functioning properly and you can stop troubleshooting now)
(If “No, the pump runs during step 3 but not step 5” then continue to step 6.
The battery might not be charged so don’t assume that it needs to be replaced yet. If the battery is very low then step 3 will work but step 5 will not because it has just enough power to run the pump directly but doesn’t have enough power to go through the panel to run the pump)

6- Physically inspect the panel and switch.
-Is the glass cracked?
(If “No” then continue, if “Yes” then it needs to be replaced)
-Does the switch on the panel feel loose or lift up?
(If “No” then continue, if “Yes” then make a note and continue)
-Does the switch click at certain intervals when you turn it?
(If “Yes” then continue, if “No” then make a note and continue)

Continue to step 7 to try a ‘manual start’ or ‘kick start’. Please note that if it’s not sunny outside where you are at the moment, then you will need to wait for a sunny day before continuing to step 7 in order to successfully attempt a manual start.

&bull (C) TRY TO MANUALLY START THE PUMP (steps 7-10)

7- Remove the pump cover with filter (pull off the end with the ‘smart solar’ logo and the slits all around it) then remove the impeller cover with spout (turn the piece shaped like the letter ‘b’ with the 3 prongs clockwise from the 12 o’clock to 2 o’clock position so the grooves line up and it comes off) to expose the white impeller.

8- Make sure that the arrow on the switch is facing the ‘I’ (on).

9- Go outside and hold the solar panel up in the air facing direct sunlight
(If you are standing indoors under artificial light, or behind a window or screen, or the sun is being filtered by clouds or trees then step 10 will not work. It must be direct sunlight.)

10- While the panel is in direct sunlight turn the impeller clockwise.
-Does it start to turn by itself?
(If “Yes, the pump didn’t run when I plugged it directly into the battery directly [step 3] but it runs now when I do a manual start” then the pump and panel are functioning normally and the battery needs to be charged. Re-assemble the pump, turn the switch so the arrow faces the ‘O’ (off) and allow it to charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days before turning the unit on again)
(If “No, the pump didn’t run when I plugged it into the battery directly [step 3] and or when I do a manual start in direct sun [step 10]” then replace you might need either a new pump or new panel. If the switch on your solar panel seemed fine and clicks when you turn it then we start by replacing the pump. If the switch on your solar panel is loose, lifts up, and doesn’t click when you turn it then we suggest replacing the solar panel)

If you just set your fountain up for the first time we recommend allowing it to fully charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days with the switch arrow facing the ‘O’ (off & charge) before attempting to use the product. If you have already done that then please try the following steps:

&bull Lift the top tier with solar panel and pump out of the fountain.
&bull Gently lay the top tier on its side on a soft surface.
&bull Hold the panel in place, and pull the pump to separate the tubing.
&bull Lift the panel out of the top tier (or push it up from underneath).
&bull Make sure the solar panel and pump are clean and dry.

If your fountain is not new and the pump is dirty or the solar panel has hard water build up on the glass then perform the regular cleaning maintenance that is listed in your instruction manual. If you have already done it then continue to step 1:

&bull (A) TRY THE PUMP TO BATTERY DIRECTLY (steps 1-3)

1- Pull apart the set of green plugs between the solar panel and battery.

2- Pull apart the set of black plugs between the solar panel and pump.

3- Plug the pump into the battery directly by mixing & match the plugs.
Connect the green one with the red o-ring (from the battery) to the black one with the sleeve (from the pump).

Note: You do not need to connect the black one with the red o-ring (from the panel) into the green one with the sleeve (from the panel). Plugging the panel into itself will do nothing.
-Can you hear or feel the pump running?
(if “Yes” then you know that the pump and battery are both good)
(if “No, the pump makes no noise or vibration” then the battery might not be charged. Don’t assume that either the battery or pump need to be replaced just yet).

&bull (B) TRY THE PUMP & BATTERY TO PANEL ON ‘I’ (steps 4-6)

4- Re-connect both sets of plugs back up the correctly (green to green, and black to black so both red o-rings are covered)

5- Turn the switch on the panel so the arrow is facing the ‘I’(on).
-Can you hear or feel the pump running?
(If “Yes, the pump runs during steps 3 & 5” then all parts are functioning properly and you can stop troubleshooting now)
(If “No, the pump runs during step 3 but not step 5” then continue to step 6.
The battery might not be charged so don’t assume that it needs to be replaced yet. If the battery is very low then step 3 will work but step 5 will not because it has just enough power to run the pump directly but doesn’t have enough power to go through the panel to run the pump)

6- Physically inspect the panel and switch.
-Is the glass cracked?
(If “No” then continue, if “Yes” then it needs to be replaced)
-Does the switch on the panel feel loose or lift up?
(If “No” then continue, if “Yes” then make a note and continue)
-Does the switch click at certain intervals when you turn it?
(If “Yes” then continue, if “No” then make a note and continue)

Continue to step 7 to try a ‘manual start’ or ‘kick start’. Please note that if it’s not sunny outside where you are at the moment, then you will need to wait for a sunny day before continuing to step 7 in order to successfully attempt a manual start.

&bull (C) TRY TO MANUALLY START THE PUMP (steps 7-10)

7- Remove the pump cover with filter (pull off the end with the ‘smart solar’ logo and the slits all around it) then remove the impeller cover with spout (turn the piece shaped like the letter ‘b’ with the 3 prongs clockwise from the 12 o’clock to 2 o’clock position so the grooves line up and it comes off) to expose the white impeller.

8- Make sure that the arrow on the switch is facing the ‘I’ (on).

9- Go outside and hold the solar panel up in the air facing direct sunlight
(If you are standing indoors under artificial light, or behind a window or screen, or the sun is being filtered by clouds or trees then step 10 will not work. It must be direct sunlight.)

10- While the panel is in direct sunlight turn the impeller clockwise.
-Does it start to turn by itself?
(If “Yes, the pump didn’t run when I plugged it directly into the battery directly [step 3] but it runs now when I do a manual start” then the pump and panel are functioning normally and the battery needs to be charged. Re-assemble the pump, then reassemble all the parts back into the top tier and turn the switch on the panel so the arrow faces the ‘O’ (off). Allow it to charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days before turning the unit on again)
(If “No, the pump didn’t run when I plugged it into the battery directly [step 3] and or when I do a manual start in direct sun [step 10]” then replace you might need either a new pump or new panel. If the switch on your solar panel seemed fine and clicks when you turn it then we start by replacing the pump. If the switch on your solar panel is loose, lifts up, and doesn’t click when you turn it then we suggest replacing the solar panel)

Do not assume that you need a new battery just because it comes with one.

Please review the troubleshooting information below:

ASSEMBLY
The first thing you should do is double check the assembly. You want to make sure that the tube that comes up through the bung from the pump is inserted into the bottom of the solar panel tightly. To check this, simply walk up to your fountain and gently tug on the tube that comes up out of the solar panel. If you can lift your solar panel out of the top tier and see the wire that comes out of the bottom of it then you do NOT have it connected correctly because the panel is just resting on the fountain and that is causing it to seem weak. To correct this, set the solar panel into the top of the tier and hold it in place with one hand, and with your other hand grab the pump underneath and then squeeze them together. If done properly then the pump, tubes, and panel should all act as one piece and the solar panel will NOT lift out of the top tier when you tug on it.

OPTIMUM CONDITIONS & ORIENTATION (for SOD integrated panels)
The solar panel needs to be placed outside in direct sunlight (to run if the battery is low or to charge the battery), not indoors behind a window or screen which will filter the light, and not under artificial lighting (i.e. fluorescent or halogen) which will not make it work. Chose a suitable outdoor location where there are no trees that will filter the sunlight. Even the smallest amount of shading reduces panel’s output significantly.

The weather needs to be clear, not hazy or partly cloudy. Just because it’s hot outside and the panel is hot when you touch it does not mean the fountain should be working. Most people assume that the hotter it is outside the better the fountain will work. This is a common misconception, because even though the amount of energy produced by a solar panel is proportional to the strength of the sunlight it receives (based on season), contrary to what you may expect, the higher the temperature of the solar panel the more its output actually decreases, not increases! Generally, temperatures around 68°F or 20°C (room temp) are ideal. You will see the best results in the spring and summer months when the hours between sunrise and sunset are the longest, and in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead, or when the battery is fully charged. Sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon on a nice day (even though it’s bright) may not be strong enough to fully power the pump (if the battery is low) because the sun is at a low angle, unless the battery is charged then it will run using the battery. Since you can’t tilt the solar panel because it’s integrated into the fountain it will be less efficient at this time. Also, sunlight throughout the entire day during the late autumn and winter may not be strong enough to fully power the pump, and may take longer to fully charge the battery.

PUMP COVER WITH FILTER (Part # ‘160xfk’, for pumps made in China)
Hold the pump so you can read the black label on the side. The left half of the pump has slits all around it. This end of the pump is the pump cover and it has a spongy filter inside of it. You can pull this end straight off. Do not try to twist it off. Once it’s off, remove the filter from the cover. Rinse the filter out and clean the slits on the cover. Rinse the filter regularly so that it does not become dirty enough to restrict the water flow. If you are missing the pump cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER COVER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover is a piece with 3 prongs coming out of it, a hole in the middle and a spout at the top. This piece is the impeller cover. Through the hole in the center you can see the white impeller. Turn the cover clockwise from the 12 o’clock position to the 2 o’clock position and when the tabs on the pump body line up with the grooves on the cover it will come off. Do not try to pull the cover off without turning it first or you will break one of the tabs on the pump body off. Clean the inside of the impeller cover to make sure there is no sediment or scale build-up inside that would restrict the impeller from turning properly. If you are missing the impeller cover then you need to order replacement parts.

IMPELLER (Part # ‘n/a’, for pumps made in China)
Underneath the pump cover and the impeller cover is a white magnetic impeller with four fins that spins on a silver metal pin. The pin is fixed and does not turn. Remove the magnetic impeller by pinching one of the fins and pulling it straight off. If the fins on the impeller do not appear to be white then it is not clean. Make sure the impeller is clean and that there is no sediment or scale build-up on it that would restrict it from turning easily. If you are missing the impeller then you need to order replacement parts.

BATTERY (Part # ‘BPM4V1000’, for 2-tier Solar-On-Demand only)
If you have checked the assembly and the panel does not lift out of the top tier, you have done the cleaning maintenance, you have optimum conditions, and you do not have the fountain head spray piece on the panel, and it still seems to be weak then you might need to replace the a part. If it runs weak when in strong direct sunlight then you may need to replace the pump. If it runs very well when in strong direct sunlight but it runs weak when using the battery after charging it up for 2-3 days then you might need a new battery.

If you have taken apart the top tier of your fountain to replace a part or clean it then you will need to make sure you re-assemble it properly. Check that you have all the pieces before you begin: pump (with attached impeller, impeller cover with spout, and pump cover with filter), solar panel, battery pack (with green plug), tube kit (with two 2 inch long tubes and one 2 inch wide foam bung). The spout on the top of the pump is already tapered but if it’s only less than about ½” then you do not have one of the tubes attached to the pump already. If you are missing any of these parts you will need to order replacement parts. (Part # pump ‘sp-160x01’, panel ‘sb1w5d’ or ‘sb2w0d’, battery ‘bpm4v1000’, tube kit ‘2090kit2’)

If you are holding the panel so you can read the label on the bottom of it; slide the battery pack up into the 2 rails on the bottom of the panel with the black label facing the bottom of the panel and the ‘smart solar’ logo facing you (if there is a foam strip on the bottom of the panel that gets in the way then you can push the battery past it or remove it). Connect the green plug from the battery to the green plug on the solar panel so that the red o-ring disappears and is covered all the way around. Make sure the pump is assembled (Put the magnetic impeller to the pump. Attach the impeller cover with spout by putting it on the pump in the 2 o’clock position so the grooves line up, and then rotate it counter clock-wise to the 12 o’clock position to lock it on. Slide the pump cover on over the impeller cover). Attach the two 2 inch long tubes to each other and to the pump. Slide the foam bung onto the tubes and down to the bottom of the first tube (don’t slide it onto the second tube which is closer to the pump). Gently lay the top tier on its side on a soft surface. Place the pump up inside the top tier from underneath and extend the tube and wire through the hole in the top tier. Connect the black plug from the pump and to the black plug from the panel making sure the red o-ring disappears and is completely covered all the way around. Hold the panel in one hand and the pump in the other hand; insert the tube from the pump into the hole in the bottom of the solar panel. If attached properly then the pump, tubes, and panel should all act as one piece. Feed the wire back through the hole so that the connection between the pump and panel in the lower portion of the tier where the pump is. Set the solar panel into place. Insert the panel wire into the slit in the side of the bung. Lastly, hold the panel in place with one hand and with the other hand, slide the foam bung up the tube away from the pump into the hole to seal it. Make sure the bung is completely in the hole all the way around. Place the fully assembled top tier back into the main bowl of the fountain. Fill the main bowl to make sure that the pump is completely submerged in water. Turn the switch on the panel so the arrow faces the ‘O’ (off) if you want the battery to charge, or turn it to the ‘I’ (on) if you want the pump to run. It may take a few minutes, either in direct sunlight or with a charged battery, before all the air is expelled and water begins to spray up through the panel. Don’t pour water down the tube to ‘help get the air out’ as this will only make it harder for the pump impeller to spin in the right direction.

Exceptions: The Richmond 2-Tier comes with only 1 tube between the pump and panel. The Milano 2-Tier comes with 4 tubes. The newest version of our pump #SP-160X01 will not fit into the opening of the top tier for the Vineyard 2-Tier.

Note: The order of the top tier assembly steps can vary if necessary. We suggest using any method that is easier for you during installation as long as the final result is the same.

A Solar-On-Demand fountain with lights does have a battery pack but some people misunderstand how it functions.

The 1 battery pack has 2 sets of batteries inside: 4 AA’s for the pump & 1 AA for the lights. The pump, on/off switch, and 4 AA’s work independently from the LED’s, light sensor, and 1 AA. They really do not affect each other’s performance because they are on 2 separate circuits, so they should be thought of as 2 different systems but it does work in a certain order. As the amount of sunlight it receives increases, it’s designed to charge the 1 AA for the lights 1st and then charge the 4 AA for the pump 2nd, so the lights should come on almost every night, unless you have consecutive cloudy days.

The switch on the panel only controls the pump, NOT the lights. The LED’s are only controlled by the light sensor which tells the lights to automatically come on when it’s dark enough and turn off when it senses light. So regardless of which way the switch is facing, the LED’s should come on every night since the 1 AA battery for the lights charges 1st and they use very little energy. Having the lights on at night will never take power away from the pump.

The unit cannot run the pump and adequately charge the batteries for the pump at the same time. However, the battery for the lights will always be charged first even when the pump is running.

This is how it works:

If you have the switch in the 'I' (on) position the panel will either use the power from the sun (day time) or take power from the 4 AA’s in the battery pack (cloudy or night time) and dedicate it to running the pump, so the batteries for the pump will not be getting charged at this time, but the battery for the lights might be getting charged.

To run the pump at night you will need to leave the switch in the 'O' (off & charge) position during the day so that the panel will take the power from the sun and charge the battery for the lights and also charge the batteries for the pump, so the pump will not be running at this time. Then when you turn the unit on at night both the pump and lights will be working.

If you leave the switch set to ‘O’ (off) for a day to charge the battery then…
the next day the battery pack should be fully charged (both the 1 AA for the lights & the 4 AA’s for the pump) and this is how it will typically operate:
In the early morning…
the lights will not be on as the sun comes up
when you go outside and set the switch to ‘I’ (on) the pump will run using the battery because the sun is not yet strong enough to run the pump
During the day…
the pump runs using the panel if in direct sunlight or using the battery when cloudy
the light sensor does not allow the LED’s to light up
As the sun goes down in the evening…
the pump runs using the 4 AA’s inside the battery pack
the light sensor tells the LED’s to turn on once dark enough using the 1 AA inside the battery pack
At night time…
the 4 AA batteries for the pump run until low (~30% left = less than 4.8v), then the pump shuts off
the 1 AA battery for the lights runs until empty (0% left)
the LED’s will start to blink/flash when the battery gets low
because…
the pump requires 4.8v to run, but the LED’s only use 20-30mAh of power each to light up
so on a full charge the pump can run 6 hrs, but the LED’s can stay on 8 hrs
therefore…
it’s normal for the lights to stay on longer than the pump at night time and does not indicate any issues with the battery
however…
please note the batteries for the pump automatically get used throughout the day anytime the sun goes behind trees or passing clouds so you can’t expect a full 6 hours from the batteries if the pump has been running all day when this happens


If you leave the switch set to ‘I’ (on) for a day to run the pump then…
the next day the battery pack will be empty and this is how it will typically operate:
In the morning…
the lights will be off and the battery for the lights will be empty because they were on all night
the switch will already be set to ‘I’ (on) but the pump will not run because the batteries are empty and the sun is not yet strong enough to run the pump
During the day…
the pump runs using the panel if in direct sunlight but stops when cloudy because the batteries are not charged
the panel uses any extra power that the pump doesn’t need to run and uses it to charge the battery for the lights
the light sensor does not allow the LED’s to light up
As the sun goes down in the evening…
the pump will stop running because the sun isn’t strong and the batteries are not charged
the light sensor tells the LED’s to turn on once dark enough using the 1 AA inside the battery pack
At night time…
the 4 AA batteries for the pump are empty
the 1 AA battery for the lights runs until empty (0% left)
the LED’s will start to blink/flash when the battery gets low

This can happen for one of two reasons:

Either the water level is low or the battery is low. Remove the solar panel from the fountain and hold it in the air at night. If the lights continue to blink then the battery is low so turn the switch so that the arrow faces the ‘O’ (off & charge) and allow it to charge the next day. If you remove the panel from the fountain and hold it in the air and the lights stop blinking and stay on constantly then the water level in the fountain is low. Put the solar panel back into the fountain and add more water to the fountain until the lights remain on constantly.

This could be happening for one of two reasons:

Either… the plug from the panel to the battery pack (plug with threaded collar & 3 prongs) has been connected incorrectly. There is an arrow on each plug that you can see and is raised up so you can feel it with your finger. You must make sure that the arrows are pointing towards each other when you connect them so the right prongs are lined up with the right holes. If the arrows are not lined up with each other then the lights and pump will not function properly. If the power that is supposed to go from the battery to the pump ends up going to the lights instead then this can cause permanent damage to the LED’s and burn them out.

Or… the plug from the panel to the battery pack is not connected at all. The reason the LED’s light up without the battery pack being plugged in is that the light sensor is powered by the battery pack so when it’s unplugged the sensor is not controlling the LED’s so they take power directly from the panel and light up.

If you just set your fountain up for the first time we recommend allowing it to fully charge in direct sunlight for at least 2-3 sunny days with the switch arrow facing the ‘O’ (off) before attempting to use the product because the battery pack does not come fully charged when you receive it.

If the fountain was running during the day time then the batteries for the pump have been depleted and are low. Since the lights use their own battery the lights will still come on at night. If you want both the pump and lights to work at night we suggesting turning the switch so the arrow faces the ‘O’ (off & charge) so that the pump is off during the day and the battery gets charged so that both will work at night when you turn the switch to the ‘I’ (on).

If the pump is working but the lights aren’t then you know that the battery pack is good because the battery for the lights gets charged before the batteries for the pump. The most likely reason is that there is another light source (house light, street light) shining on the light sensor and interfering with it, making it think that it’s day time, or the battery pack is not plugged in properly.

To check if the LED’s function try this during the day time:
Unplug the battery pack (plug with threaded collar & 3 prongs) and hold the panel outside in natural light. The LED’s should light up (even if it’s cloudy outside, it works. It doesn’t even need to be direct sunlight because they use such little energy that any natural light will make them work. It does have to be natural light though, artificial light from indoors will not make this work). The reason this happens is the light sensor is powered by the battery pack so when it’s unplugged the sensor is not controlling the LED’s so they take power directly from the panel and light up.

When you reconnect the plug between the panel and battery you must make sure that the arrow on each plug is lined up and pointing towards each other. If the arrows are not lined up then the 3 prongs on the plug will not go into the correct holes in the other plug and it will not function properly.

There are a few possible reasons for this:

-If the weather conditions have been cloudy then the pump wouldn’t run and the battery wouldn’t be charged so the lights wouldn’t come on at night either. Make sure the arrows on the 3-prong plug for the battery are lined up pointing at each other and turn the switch on the panel facing the ‘O’ (off/charge). Allow the battery pack to charge outside in direct sunlight for 2-3 days.

-If the weather has been sunny then check to make sure the arrows on the 3-prong plug for the battery are lined up pointing at each other. If they’re lined up then the pump should be run when you have the switch on the panel facing the ‘I’ (on) and the lights should come on at night. If arrows on the plugs are not lined up, then the pump & lights will not work properly at all and it can damage the panel.

To check if the lights function try this during the day time:
Unplug the battery pack (plug with threaded collar & 3 prongs) and hold the panel outside in natural light. If the LED’s light up then you know they work. (The reason this happens is the light sensor is powered by the battery pack so when it’s unplugged the sensor is not controlling the LED’s so they take power directly from the panel and light up.) Then plug the battery (connector with threaded collar & 3 silver prongs) back in. *(Make sure that the arrows on the plugs are pointing towards each other and the prongs are lined up with the correct holes.) If the lights turn off then the battery works because you know it’s charged because the light sensor works because it shut the LED’s shut off.

Take the panel into a dark area with no light (room with no windows or closet). If the LED’s light up then you know they are functioning normally. (If the lights flash, make sure they are not facing a mirror)

To check if the pump functions try this during a sunny day:
Remove the pump cover with filter & the impeller cover from the pump. Make sure the pump is plugged into the panel so the red o-ring is covered and the switch on the panel is facing the ‘I’ (on). Hold the panel outside in direct sunlight and spin the white impeller clockwise a few times with your finger at the same time. The impeller should start to turn on its own (this is called a manual start or kick start). Then take the panel into the shade with the switch still facing the ‘I’ and the pump plugged in. If the pump continues to run then the batteries for the pump are charged. If not then they are not charged.

To check if the switch on the panel functions:
If…
you set the switch to ‘O’ (off & charge)
allowed the battery pack to charge in direct sunlight for 2-3 days
the lights function every night
the pump does not run when you turn the switch to ‘I’
you have done the regular maintenance cleaning (as listed in the instructions)
and you tried a manual start / kick start
Then…
the switch on the solar panel might be faulty.